NATO’s secretary general is hardly alone in being concerned by seeing the support Putin and Kim show each other. But in some Western media, such as Time Magazine, it is argued that Putin’s trip to North Korea is a sign of desperation, not strength. The fact that the President of Russia is visiting one of the world’s poorest and most isolated countries shows how isolated Russia has become internationally. Putin is making this trip because Kim Jong-un has something the Russian leader needs: Weapons and ammunition. According to the South Korean authorities, North Korea has already sent millions of artillery shells to its neighbor in the north. POMP AND Splendor: Nothing was spared to show Putin that the visit is appreciated. Photo: AFP There is a huge need for grenades in Russia’s war of occupation in Ukraine. Remains of rockets produced in North Korea are also said to have been found on the battlefield. Full support President Putin also heard rather rare words during his visit to Pyongyang. For the North Korean leader promised solidarity and support for Russia’s warfare in Ukraine. Kim Jong-un said that “the special military operation protects Russia’s sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity.” GIFT: Kim Jong-un has received a Russian-made Aurus limousine as a gift from Putin. They drove together in this car during the visit. Photo: AP – We greatly appreciate your systematic and permanent support for Russian policy, including the Ukraine issue, the Russian president said. North Korea has few friends and allies and is rarely visited by foreign heads of state. After Putin launched the war against Ukraine, Western sanctions have limited the number of countries he can travel to. How far does the agreement go? Russia and North Korea have signed a new and comprehensive agreement on political, economic and military cooperation. But the most startling point in the agreement concerns the military: The countries must help each other if one of them is attacked. – Today we have signed a comprehensive partnership agreement which, among other things, provides for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the participants who have signed this document, Putin said at a press conference. CLOSER: Two managers show off the partnership agreement after they have signed it. Photo: Reuters He pointed out that the USA and other NATO countries supply Ukraine with advanced weapons systems that can be used against targets in Russia. It is not clear how closely the two countries will bond to each other through this agreement. But if they want to, they have laid a formal basis for much closer military cooperation. Kim already calls it an “alliance.” Russia is already at war, and North Korea constantly makes threats, both against its neighbor to the south and against Western countries. Western concern The growing cooperation between Russia and North Korea is seen as a serious development in Western countries. Putin’s version of reality is that Russia is waging a battle against American imperialism and America’s allies. American authorities fear that Russia, in violation of UN sanctions, will contribute technology and other support to the North Korean missile programme. The two countries deny that this is happening. Kim praised Russia’s “important role and mission in maintaining strategic stability and balance in the world” during the meeting with Putin. Russia has a veto in the UN Security Council and is in favor of reconsidering the punitive measures against North Korea. The enthusiasm from both sides suggests that both Kim and Putin have gotten something they really wanted through the new agreement. Published 19.06.2024, at 20.27
ttn-69
Putin and Kim Jong-un enter into a comprehensive agreement – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
