Russia, North Korea Sign ‘Strategic Partnership’ Pact in Pyongyang

The North Korean leader said the treaty elevates bilateral relations ’to the level of an alliance.’

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (R) talk to the media following their bilaterial talks at Kumsusan state residence in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 19, 2024. Kristina Kormilitsyna/AFP via Getty Images

The leaders of Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive “strategic partnership” treaty on June 19 during a bilateral summit held in Pyongyang, North Korea.

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in the North Korean capital a day earlier, the freshly signed pact obliges each party to come to the other’s defense if they are subject to external attack.