▲ North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for a photo after signing the "Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation" at the Kumsusan State Guest House in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024, in this file photo provided by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the following day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

N Korea-Russia

N. Korea-Russia defense treaty goes into effect Dec. 4: state media

By Kim Soo-yeon

SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Yonhap) -- A new defense treaty signed by the leaders of North Korea and Russia in June came into force this week as the two nations have exchanged the treaty ratification instruments, state media reported Thursday.

With the exchanges, the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty went into effect Dec. 4, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the new partnership treaty in June in Pyongyang that includes a mutual defense clause. The two nations have been bolstering military ties, with North Korea sending thousands of troops to Russia in support of Moscow's war with Ukraine.

North Korea said the treaty serves as a legal framework that will help put bilateral ties on a new strategic level.

North Korea-Russia bilateral relations based on the treaty will be a "powerful security device that promotes the wellbeing of the peoples of the two countries, eases the regional situation and guarantees international strategic stability," the KCNA said.

"It will serve as a strong driving force accelerating the establishment of an independent and just multi-polarized world order without domination, subjugation and hegemony," it added.

The treaty calls for providing military assistance "without delay" if either side comes under attack.

In November, North Korea ratified the treaty through a decree signed by Kim. Putin also signed the treaty into law after Russia's upper and lower houses ratified it.

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