Putin and Kim Sign Mutual Defence Pact, Raising Concerns in the West
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have recently signed a pact that includes a mutual defence clause, obligating the two countries to come to each other's aid in the event of an attack. Describing the comprehensive strategic partnership as an alliance, Kim highlighted the pact as the strongest ever treaty signed between Russia and North Korea, elevating their relationship to a higher level. The agreement, finalized after hours of talks in Pyongyang, also entails closer political, economic, and military cooperation. This development has sparked alarm in the West over the deepening economic and military ties between North Korea and Russia.
Putin's visit has drawn attention from the US and South Korea, especially due to concerns that the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia could potentially enhance the Kremlin's activities in Ukraine and escalate tensions on the Korean peninsula. In response, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized Putin's visit, portraying it as a sign of Russia's desperation to bolster relationships with nations that can support its aggressive actions in Ukraine.
During the summit, the leaders exchanged lavish gifts, with Putin offering a luxury Aurus limo and tea set to Kim, and receiving items related to his image in return. The visit also involved discussions on North Korea's alleged provision of munitions to Russia, as well as previous agreements suggesting arms supply between the two countries. While no specific details of the mutual defence clause were disclosed, both leaders emphasized the defensive nature of the pact, asserting North Korea's right to defend itself and hinting at potential military-technical cooperation in the future.
As the international community closely monitors the evolving dynamics between Russia and North Korea, the signing of this pact marks a significant development that can potentially reshape geopolitical alliances and security scenarios in the region, further advancing the narrative of a new multipolar world.
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