N. Korea & Russia Sign Treaty for Strategic Stability and Cooperation

Kim Jong Un,  President of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, signed the "Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the DPRK and the Russian Federation" on June 19. This treaty aims to solidify and perpetuate a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, and other principles of international law.

The treaty underscores the commitment of both nations to maintain continuous dialogue and negotiations, including summit talks, to discuss bilateral relations and international issues of mutual concern. This framework will enhance concerted actions and cooperation in international arenas. Both countries strive for global strategic stability and the establishment of a fair and equal international order, with a focus on strengthening mutual communication and cooperation.

A critical component of the treaty is the agreement on mutual defense. Should a direct threat of armed invasion arise, both countries will immediately initiate bilateral negotiations to discuss practical measures for mutual assistance. In the event of an armed invasion by one or several states, the other country will provide military and other assistance without delay, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and their national laws. Both sides have agreed not to enter into agreements with third countries that would compromise the other's sovereignty, security, and core interests.

The treaty also highlights the importance of international cooperation. The DPRK and Russia will collaborate on global and regional development issues within international bodies like the UN to maintain peace and security. Economic cooperation is another key area, with both nations committed to increasing mutual trade, improving economic cooperation conditions, and supporting investments as per the DPRK-Russia intergovernmental agreement on investment promotion and protection adopted on November 28, 1996.

Support for special or free economic zones in both countries is also a priority, fostering organizations operating in these zones. The treaty emphasizes the development of cooperation in science and technology, including space, biology, peaceful atomic energy, artificial intelligence, and IT, and facilitates joint research. Regional cooperation is encouraged to promote understanding of economic and investment potentials through inter-regional events such as business forums, seminars, exhibitions, and trade fairs.

Cultural and social exchange is another focus, with plans to boost cooperation in agriculture, education, public health, sports, culture, tourism, environmental protection, and disaster prevention. The treaty opposes unilateral compulsory measures that contravene the UN Charter and international law, working to minimize their impact on mutual economic ties and activities.

The treaty also addresses global threats, with both nations agreeing to cooperate against international terrorism, organized crime, human trafficking, illegal immigration, money laundering, terrorism financing, and the illegal trade of goods and weapons. Enhancing bilateral cooperation in international information security through legal and institutional dialogue is also a priority. This treaty is effective indefinitely, marking a new era of comprehensive cooperation between the DPRK and Russia.