PYONGYANG.- In a move that captured global attention, Russia y North Korea They signed a mutual defense agreement during the visit of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, to Pyongyang. This pact, celebrated with pomp and circumstance, marks a new milestone in relations between both countries, while its geopolitical implications resonate throughout the world.
During the official signing ceremony, Putin highlighted the importance of the treaty, which includes provisions for mutual assistance in case of aggression. This military collaboration between Russia and North Korea, two countries that have maintained historical ties since the end of the Korean War in 1953, reflects a strategic strengthening at a time of intense international pressure.
“Today, we fight together against the hegemonic and neocolonialist practices of the United States and its satellites,” Putin declared after signing the document.
Kim Jong Un, North Korean leader, received Putin with ceremonial honors at the Pyongyang airport, where the streets were adorned with flags of both countries and giant portraits of Putin. In a joint statement, Kim expressed his full support for Russia’s foreign policy and his involvement in the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, defying Western criticism that accuses Pyongyang of supporting Moscow militarily.
Western powers, particularly the United States, have expressed concerns about this military alliance, fearing that it could further strengthen Russia’s war capabilities amid the conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un’s statements of support underscore his commitment to deeper strategic cooperation with Moscow.
The treaty also marks a turning point for North Korea, which looks to Russia for a key ally amid international sanctions that have severely affected its economy. In addition to the military aspect, economic and technological benefits are expected for Pyongyang, which has sought to diversify its foreign relations beyond its traditional dependence on China.
Putin’s visit to North Korea is the first by a Russian leader in decades, underscoring the strategic importance Moscow places on this bilateral relationship. Putin has publicly thanked North Korea for its continued support and suggested a review of international sanctions against the Asian country, which could have significant implications in the global geopolitical arena.
In this sense, the United States expressed its concern about the consequences of this alliance for stability in the region, especially in relation to South Korea and the conflict on the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, international observers are closely monitoring the next diplomatic and military moves between Russia and North Korea, in a context of growing global uncertainty.
The signing of the defense agreement reflects not only a strategic alliance but also a direct challenge to Western hegemony, consolidating a Moscow-Pyongyang axis that could reconfigure the balance of powers in Eurasia and beyond.
Source: With information from AFP
