Putin and Kim Jong Un promise to support each other if either country is attacked, as the Russian president gets a grand welcome in North Korea
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have pledged to support each other if either nation is attacked, during Putin’s rare visit to North Korea, his first in 24 years.
This mutual defense agreement is part of a broader strategic partnership aimed at countering the US.
Russian state media reported that Putin met Kim for about two hours, expressing gratitude for North Korea’s support in the Ukraine conflict.
Putin was greeted with a grand ceremony by thousands in the North Korean capital on Wednesday, June 19.
Western concerns have risen about a deal where North Korea supplies Russia with munitions in return for economic aid and technology that could boost Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.
Kim stated that the “fiery friendship” between the two countries is now stronger than during Soviet times, pledging “full support and solidarity” to Russia in its military operations in Ukraine to safeguard sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
He also praised Russia’s role in maintaining global strategic stability and balance, noting the rapidly changing global situation and the need to strengthen strategic cooperation with Russia.
The leaders exchanged gifts, with Kim receiving a Russian-built limousine, a tea set, and an admiral’s dirk, while Putin was gifted various works of art.
North Korea is heavily sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council, which includes Russia, over its weapons program, while Russia faces sanctions from the US and its Western allies due to its actions in Ukraine.
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JUST IN: 🇷🇺🇰🇵 Russian President Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un sign new strategic partnership agreement. pic.twitter.com/rS0XQc0A7X
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) June 19, 2024
MASSIVE red carpet rolled out for Putin on arrival to North Korea pic.twitter.com/GOLkFpRqsx
— COMBATE |🇵🇷 (@upholdreality) June 18, 2024
Wow, the entire population of Pyongyang showed up to welcome Putin!
North Korea and its hospitality.
“President Putin and Kim Jong-un left Kim Il-Sung Square in an open-top car for negotiations at the Kumsusan Palace.” pic.twitter.com/LEKuXLpl0C
— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) June 19, 2024