North Korea and Russia Declare 'Alliance'... Kim Jong Un Says "Reached a New High Level"

North Korea-Russia Summit in Pyongyang on the 19th

North Korea and Russia declared on the 19th at a summit held in Pyongyang that they would elevate their bilateral relations to an "alliance relationship."

Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, stated during a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin following the summit, "The relationship between our two countries has risen to a new, higher level as an alliance relationship."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chairman Kim said, "A legal framework has been established that can realize the grand vision of the leaderships of both countries to firmly safeguard regional and global peace and security environments while building a strong nation, as well as the historic aspirations of our peoples."

He added, "I am very satisfied that, just nine months after discussing the new inter-state treaty during the meeting with Comrade Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia last September, we have concluded a great inter-state treaty befitting the changed international situation and the strategic nature of the new era of North Korea-Russia relations."

Furthermore, on this day, North Korea and Russia signed a "Comprehensive Treaty on Strategic Partnership" that replaces the existing treaty defining bilateral relations. The new treaty is expected to include provisions elevating the relationship between the two countries to an alliance.

Chairman Kim emphasized, "The relationship between the two countries has entered a more excellent prospective trajectory for the progress of both nations and the improvement of the people's welfare through mutual cooperation in various fields such as politics, economy, culture, and military affairs."