North Korea assessed that the signing of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia two years ago established a robust legal foundation to expand and develop North Korea-Russia relations across all sectors.
On June 19, the Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of Russia stated in a communiqué posted on the ministry’s website that the signing of the new North Korea-Russia treaty two years ago was a historic decision aimed at firmly safeguarding peace and security in the region and globally.
He noted that since the treaty’s signing, the two nations have continuously strengthened solidarity and cooperation in various fields, including politics, diplomacy, economy, and culture.
The official emphasized that the deployment of North Korean People’s Army overseas operational units to Russia’s Kursk region, as per the treaty, exemplifies the most model implementation of an interstate alliance treaty. This action, he stressed, clearly demonstrates the spirit of genuine unity and cooperation, as well as true internationalist loyalty.
He further stated that regular strategic dialogues between the foreign ministers of North Korea and Russia have enhanced communication on bilateral relations and regional and international issues, fostering closer cooperation on the global stage. The Deputy Minister also highlighted the revitalization of the intergovernmental trade, economic, and scientific technology cooperation committee, which is actively promoting mutually beneficial economic cooperation initiatives.
The official declared that the new interstate treaty will fully demonstrate its immense vitality and potential in vigorously advancing the grand objective of building strong nations in both countries. He added that the friendly relations between North Korea and Russia will be further solidified, becoming invincible.
Previously, in April, the Deputy Minister for Russia had expressed the intention to strengthen comprehensive cooperation between North Korea and Russia on the 7th anniversary of the first summit between Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Moreover, in October 2024, then-Deputy Minister Kim Jong-gyu made a public statement regarding the controversy surrounding the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. He asserted that if such a deployment were to occur, it would comply with international legal norms, marking the first quasi-official position on the matter.
The new North Korea-Russia treaty was signed during the summit between Chairman Kim and President Putin held in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024.
Notably, Article 4 of this treaty includes provisions for automatic military intervention in case of emergency. This clause served as the basis for North Korea’s deployment of approximately 20,000 troops, including combat and engineering units, to the Kursk region, a battleground between Russia and Ukraine, beginning in October 2024.