Russia "Cooperation with North Korea in All Fields"... North Korea-Russia Treaty to Be Reviewed for Ratification in Lower House Next Month

Amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Russia emphasized the importance of the 'Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' (the North Korea-Russia Treaty) signed with North Korea, highlighting that it signifies strategic cooperation in all fields, including security.

According to RIA Novosti and other sources on the 15th (local time), Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated during a briefing that the content of the North Korea-Russia Treaty "holds significant meaning as it involves strategically deepening cooperation in all areas, including security guarantees."

The treaty includes provisions for mutual defense against external attacks, such as providing military assistance if one party is subjected to armed aggression and enters a state of war. Peskov added that detailed information would be shared once the ratification process of the North Korea-Russia Treaty is completed.

This treaty was signed after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang in June and held talks with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. President Putin submitted the ratification bill for the North Korea-Russia Treaty to the State Duma the day before.

The ratification process began amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea claiming that South Korean drones dropped leaflets over Pyongyang and blowing up parts of the inter-Korean connecting roads.

Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma's International Affairs Committee, predicted that the Duma could review the ratification bill for the North Korea-Russia Treaty in early to mid-November. Slutsky said, "The International Affairs Committee of the Duma has received the package for ratifying the treaty with North Korea. We will hold the next committee meeting by the end of this month and prioritize discussing this issue." He added, "We do not rule out proposing to the Duma to consider the treaty ratification in early to mid-November," and "The final decision will be made by the Duma committee."