Russia-North Korea Signs New Strategic Partnership Agreement, Kim Jong-un: Peaceful And Defensive

JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said on Wednesday the agreement on a new comprehensive strategic partnership between his country and Russia was peaceful and defensive.

"This strong agreement is nothing more than a completely constructive, promising, purely peaceful and defensive document," Leader Kim said after the signing.

"I have no doubt this will be a driving force that will accelerate efforts to build a new multipolar world," he added.

Leader Kim emphasized that the agreement was in accordance with the strategic nature of relations between the two countries in the new era.

"Times have changed, as have North Korea's status in global geopoliticals," he said.

As previously reported, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un signed a new comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the two countries, while holding a meeting at the Kumsusan Palace, Pyongyang.

"Today, a new fundamental document has been prepared that will form the basis for our relationship for a long-term perspective," said President Putin.

As the Russian President Yury Ushakov explained, this new document replaces the 1961 friendly and mutual aid agreement, the 2000 agreement on bilateral relations, as well as the 2000 and 2001 Moscow and Pyongyang declarations.

According to Ushakov, this new document is needed because of major changes in geopolitical situations in the region and around the world as well as bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea.

The Kremlin official said the new document would comply with all basic principles of international law, would not be controversial or aimed at any country and aimed at ensuring greater stability in Northeast Asia.

Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in an expanded format lasted for an hour and a half, followed by a one-on-one conversation.