MOSCOW: Russia and North Korea will sign several “important documents” during President Vladimir Putin’s crucial visit this week, including a possible strategic partnership treaty, Russian news agencies reported Monday, citing a Kremlin aide.
Putin’s visit to North Korea, scheduled for Tuesday, has drawn significant international attention amidst concerns from Western nations about potential military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang amid Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.
According to Ushakov, the documents to be signed during Putin’s visit will encompass a range of significant agreements aimed at bolstering cooperation between Russia and North Korea, particularly focusing on security issues.
“The visit will see the signing of several important, highly significant documents,” Ushakov stated, hinting at the possibility of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty that will outline future collaboration in various domains.
In addition to signing agreements, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are expected to address the media, marking a rare public appearance together during such diplomatic engagements.
The visit comes against the backdrop of accusations from Western countries, South Korea, and Kyiv that Pyongyang has been illicitly supplying weapons to Moscow to support its military operations in Ukraine, contravening United Nations sanctions imposed on North Korea.
In response, Washington and Seoul have alleged that Russia has reciprocated by providing technical assistance for North Korea’s satellite program and delivering humanitarian aid to the isolated nation, which has been grappling with food shortages.
Putin’s visit to North Korea marks his first since the year 2000 and follows Kim’s rare trip to Russia’s Far East nine months ago. It is part of Russia’s broader diplomatic efforts, as Putin has curtailed foreign travel since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, focusing instead on consolidating ties with key allies such as China and Iran.
