North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged unwavering support for Russia’s position on the Ukraine war and other key international matters, according to state media reports on Thursday. The announcement followed a meeting on Wednesday between Kim and Russia’s Secretary of the Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, in Pyongyang.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to standing by Moscow. “Kim Jong Un affirmed that the government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will, in the future, too, unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies,” the report stated.
The meeting comes amid deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, especially following the signing of a wide-ranging treaty last year during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to North Korea. That agreement includes a mutual defence clause, under which either nation pledges immediate military assistance if the other faces armed aggression.
According to KCNA, Kim also expressed North Korea’s intention to “responsibly observe” the terms of the treaty, and discussed with Shoigu ways to expand the strategic partnership and cooperation across various fields.
The strengthened relationship between the two countries has drawn international attention and concern, particularly from Western governments wary of growing military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang. As the war in Ukraine continues and both Russia and North Korea face increasing isolation from much of the global community, their alliance appears to be growing more robust and strategically aligned.
Melissa Enoch
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