The visit of the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, to North Korea has been followed closely by the world. And the increasingly evident closeness between the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his Russian counterpart has put the West on alert.
Now, the alliance between both countries took a step further after the signing of a covenant between Kim and Putin that contemplates a “mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties”as explained by the Russian president, who was quoted by the state media of that country.
Both leaders met for two hours this Wednesday in Pyongyang.
Kim Jong-un called Russia the “most honest friend and ally,” and referred to Putin as the “dearest friend of the Korean people”according to a report by the Russian state agency RIA.
Russian agencies also quoted Putin as saying that North Korea has the right to defend itself and that both countries can cooperate militarily, although, he said, the agreement is “defensive and peaceful in nature.”
In statements to journalists in Pyongyang, Kim warned that his country will respond “without hesitation” to “incidents or wars” faced by North Korea or Russia, after the signing of the so-called Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.
“There will be no differences in interpretation, no hesitation or indecision in fulfilling the duty to respond in a joint effort to various incidents or wars that our countries are already facing, or that they will face in the future,” the North Korean leader said.
Kim also stated that the relationship between North Korea and Russia now rises to a “new level of alliance” and that the treaty will accelerate the creation of a “multipolar world” where no dominant country can exercise hegemonic power.
The agreement raised questions among experts.
Many wonder what the signature really means and how it could influence issues as relevant as the war in Ukraine.
A disturbing and ambiguous commitment
Analysis by Paul Adams, BBC diplomatic correspondent
Both leaders are interested in describing their new pact in bold terms.
Kim calls it “the strongest treaty ever created” that will help accelerate the creation of a “new multipolar world.”
For Putin, it is a “revolutionary document.”
But until a formal text is announced, it is difficult to assess what the new agreement means in practice.
For Putin, everything has to do with the war in Ukraine. He needs to get all the artillery shells and rockets he can.
According to South Korean estimates, it has already received 10,000 containers of various ammunition from Pyongyang.
Kim has his own needs, highlighted by his country’s recent failure to launch a spy satellite into orbit.
Despite the sanctions, Russia can still muster the kind of technical expertise the North Korean leader craves.
What will you really get?
In his statements, the Russian leader said that “he does not exclude the development of military-technical cooperation with North Korea.”
That sounds like a compromise.
The two countries are clearly strengthening their ties, much to the dismay of the Western world. China may also have its concerns.
But what do the two countries mean by “mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties to this agreement”?
Perhaps the two leaders would prefer to keep this unsettling and ambiguous.
Kim Jong-un’s support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine
During Putin’s visit to North Korea – the first official visit to the Asian country in 24 years – Kim Jong-un assured that he supports “fully” the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This is especially relevant for the Russian leader who, since the war broke out, has become a pariah to the West and has been looking for allies elsewhere.
The United States and Seoul have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery and other equipment, probably in exchange for food and military aid.
Both countries deny the existence of an arms deal, but last year they promised to strengthen ties. military ties.
Almost two and a half years after the start of the invasion, there is no doubt that the interdependence between North Korea and Russia continues to strengthen as they provide each other with supplies.
Pompous reception
Putin was welcomed in North Korea with a impressive display.
At the airport, there were red carpets, red roses and the honor guard in position on the tarmac, as the two leaders smiled and hugged.
Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang was packed with crowds, colorful balloons, flowers and choreography.
Huge banners with photos of the two leaders adorned surrounding buildings during the welcoming ceremony.
“This luxurious welcome comes at a time when heavily sanctioned North Korea has been suffering from food, fuel and energy shortages, with a depleted economy made much worse by the Covid-19 pandemic,” notes the journalist from BBC Shaimaa Khalilfrom Seoul.
Despite the economic situation, Pyongyang seems to have spared no resources for this visit, hoping, of course, that it will bear fruit, says Khalil.
Putin presented his counterpart with a luxurious Russian Aurus car, an admiral’s dagger and a tea set, Russian state media reported, citing presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.
A tea party and gala concert are planned in the evening.
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