North Korea and Russia's defence pact, part of their strategic treaty, has come into force, strengthening military ties amid reported North Korean involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
The "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" concluded between North Korea and Russia in June officially came into effect on Wednesday, following the exchange of "ratification instruments" in Moscow, as reported by North Korea’s KCNA news agency.
The treaty, signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June and his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, includes a mutual defence agreement ensuring immediate military support in the event of armed aggression against either nation.
KCNA described the treaty as a "potent driving force" for advancing the establishment of an independent and equitable multipolar world order, free from domination, subjugation, or hegemony.
President Putin's visit and the agreement to enhance military cooperation occurred against the backdrop of Pyongyang's growing involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. Reports indicate that over 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russia’s efforts.
Neither nation has formally acknowledged the deployment of troops or the reported shipment of thousands of ammunition containers, along with mobile howitzers and rocket launchers, from North Korea to Russia.
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