Friday, June 21, 2024 - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have vowed to aid each other if either country is attacked on a rare visit by Putin to North Korea, his first time in 24 years to the hermit nation.
The mutual defence clause is part of a comprehensive
strategic partnership the pair signed in a bid to unite against the US.
Russian state media said Putin spoke to Kim face-to-face for
about two hours and thanked him for his country's support for the war in
Ukraine.
Thousands trooped to welcome Putin in a lavish
ceremony when he arrived in the North Korean capital on Wednesday, June 19
Western worries have grown over an arrangement in which
North Korea provides Russia with badly needed munitions in exchange for
economic aid and technology transfers that could enhance Pyongyang's nuclear
weapons and missile program.
Kim said the "fiery friendship" was now even
closer than during Soviet times, and promised "full support and solidarity
to the Russian government, army and people in carrying out the special military
operation in Ukraine to protect sovereignty, security interests and territorial
integrity".
He also hailed Russia's "important role and mission in
preserving the strategic stability and balance in the world".
"The situation in the
world is exacerbating and changing rapidly," Kim said.
"In this situation, we
intend to strengthen strategic interaction with Russia."
The two leaders also exchanged gifts, with Kim reportedly
receiving a Russian-built limousine, a tea set and an admiral's dirk (dagger)
and Putin being given various works of art.
North Korea is under heavy sanctions from the United Nations
Security Council - of which Russia is a member - over its weapons program while
Russia faces sanctions by the US and its Western partners over its aggression
in Ukraine.
Watch videos below
Wow, the entire population of Pyongyang showed up to welcome Putin!
— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) June 19, 2024
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
MASSIVE red carpet rolled out for Putin on arrival to North Korea pic.twitter.com/GOLkFpRqsx
— COMBATE |🇵🇷 (@upholdreality) June 18, 2024
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
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