North Korea reaffirms commitment to defence treaty with Russia

IANS June 19, 2025 376 views

Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin commemorate the anniversary of their defence treaty, underscoring the robust alliance between North Korea and Russia. The treaty, signed a year ago, emphasizes mutual military support and strategic cooperation. North Korea's commitment to the treaty is highlighted by its deployment of troops to Russia's Kursk region. This collaboration further solidifies the deepening ties between the two nations, praised by North Korean media as a testament to the leaders' exceptional partnership.

"A new chapter in the friendship with Moscow and an outcome of the leaders' extraordinary leadership." - Rodong Sinmun
Seoul, June 19: North Korea on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to a mutual defence treaty with Russia, marking the first anniversary of its signing amid growing military cooperation between the two nations.

Key Points

1

Kim Jong-un and Putin celebrate treaty anniversary

2

North Korea sends troops to Russia's Kursk region

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Treaty seen as a strategic milestone in bilateral ties

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin sealed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty on June 19, which calls for either side to provide the other assistance "without delay" if one of them comes under armed attack.

In a statement released on the anniversary, a North Korean foreign ministry official overseeing Russian affairs said the country's commitment to strengthening friendly relations with Russia remains "unchanged."

The ministry described the treaty as a "political event of great strategic importance," calling it a foundational guarantee for the present and future of bilateral ties.

The ministry said Pyongyang had demonstrated the strength of its alliance with Russia by deploying troops to the Kursk region, noting the bilateral solidarity would continue to deepen.

Under the treaty, North Korea deployed around 14,000 troops to the Russian side in the war against Ukraine between October last year and February this year, according to intelligence authorities, Yonhap news agency reported.

Russian media reports said earlier this week that North Korea will send about 6,000 military construction workers and sappers to Russia's Kursk frontline region for mine removal and war recovery.

On Thursday, North Korean state mouthpiece the Rodong Sinmun featured the anniversary, describing the treaty as opening "a new chapter in the friendship" with Moscow and an outcome of the leaders' "extraordinary" leadership.

Earlier in the day, North Korea underscored the "absolute solidity" of its alliance with Russia and reaffirmed bilateral cooperation as it marked the first anniversary of the signing of a mutual defence treaty with Moscow.

The North's mainstream Rodong Sinmun newspaper, which reflects the regime's official position, issued the message in an article marking the first anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty on June 19 last year in Pyongyang between leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The daily touted the treaty as opening "a new chapter in the friendship" between North Korea and Russia and as an outcome of the leaders' "extraordinary" leadership. It said the two countries have "unsparingly shown off the absolute solidity of the alliance relationship."

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This growing Russia-North Korea alliance is worrying for global stability. As India maintains good relations with both Russia and the West, we must carefully navigate this situation. Our foreign policy should focus on protecting our national interests first. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While India has historical ties with Russia, we must be cautious about openly supporting such alliances. Sending troops to Ukraine is clearly escalatory. Hope our government maintains strategic autonomy in this complex situation.
A
Amit S.
Interesting how global alliances are shifting! Russia needs friends after Western sanctions, and North Korea gets military tech in return. India should learn from this - we need to strengthen our domestic defense industry to avoid such dependencies. Make in India is the way!
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Sunita R.
The common people in both countries will suffer while leaders play geopolitics. Instead of sending troops abroad, North Korea should focus on feeding its people. Russia too should seek peaceful solutions. War benefits no one in the long run. 🙏
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Vikram J.
China must be watching this closely too. A stronger Russia-North Korea axis could affect the balance in our region. India needs to keep strengthening ties with Japan, South Korea and ASEAN countries as counterbalance.
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Neha P.
The timing is suspicious - just when Russia is struggling in Ukraine. This shows how desperate Putin has become. India should maintain its balanced approach but also make clear we don't support such military adventurism. Our non-aligned roots matter now more than ever.

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Tags:
North Korea Russia Kim Jong-un Vladimir Putin Defence Treaty Military Cooperation