The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has ratified the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty with Russia, the DPRK's state radio "Voice of Korea" reported. The new treaty, signed earlier by Russian President Vladimir Putin, enshrines the obligations of both countries to provide each other with military support in the event of an armed attack on one of the parties.

The signing of this document was another step towards strengthening the allied relations between Russia and North Korea amid current international tensions. Now the agreement assumes that in the event of a security threat to one of the parties, the other is obliged to provide immediate assistance, including possible military support. This point attracts increased attention from Western analysts, who view the agreement as a significant strengthening of the positions of both countries in their regions.

Experts believe the strategic partnership could impact the balance of power in East Asia and beyond. North Korea has long supported a course to strengthen independent relations with Russia, and, as previously stated, Moscow views Pyongyang as an important partner. The signing of the treaty confirms the intentions of both countries to strengthen their cooperation despite sanctions and international restrictions.