▲ This image shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shaking hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin after signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

N Korea-Russia

N. Korea's Kim finalizes defense pact with Russia

By Park Boram

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has signed off a defense pact with Russia, the North's state media reported Tuesday, amid heightened concerns over Pyongyang's troop dispatch to Russia.

The treaty on "comprehensive strategic partnership" between North Korea and Russia has been ratified as a decree from the North Korean leader, the North's Korean Central News Agency reported.

The report noted that the treaty will take effect from the day both sides exchanged ratification instruments.

Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the treaty in Pyongyang in June, which includes a provision committing both nations to mutual military assistance in the event of an attack on either side.

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