Previously, the treaty was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June 2024.
RT reported that the Russian State Duma, the lower house of parliament, unanimously ratified the treaty in late October and the Federation Council (upper house) ratified it on November 6. President Putin signed it into law on November 9.
"Ratification of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, signed in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024," the document signed by the Russian President on November 9 stated. The treaty officially entered into force after Moscow and Pyongyang exchanged ratification instruments.
The treaty includes commitments by Russia and North Korea to support each other in the event of foreign aggression. Under the treaty signed by Putin and Kim Jong-un, Russia and North Korea will "cooperate with each other to ensure lasting regional and international peace and security."
The text contains a provision stating that "if either party is subjected to an armed attack by any state or states and thus becomes involved in a state of war, the other party shall immediately provide military and other assistance by all means available in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations" and national law.
Moscow and Pyongyang also pledged not to sign any agreements with third parties that are aimed at each other's "sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, freedom of choice and development of political, social, economic and cultural systems, as well as other important interests."
Another clause expresses Russia and North Korea's opposition to Western sanctions, calling them "unilateral coercive measures, including those of an extraterritorial nature," which are considered illegal and contrary to international law and the UN Charter. Moscow and Pyongyang pledge not to impose such sanctions on each other.
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui said earlier this month that Pyongyang would support Moscow in its conflict with Kiev as long as necessary, adding that it had no doubt about Russia's ultimate victory.
Ukraine and Western countries have accused North Korea of sending troops to Russia and are concerned it could eventually get involved in the conflict. North Korea denies the accusations, saying they are an attempt to tarnish Pyongyang's image.
For his part, President Putin neither confirmed nor denied the above statements, noting that the details of cooperation between the two countries are no one's business.
