The Kremlin released a presidential decree today, hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin was to arrive in North Korea, stating that it accepts “the proposal of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the signing” of a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.” It stated that the signing will take place “at the highest level,” assumedly by Putin and D.P.R.K. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, during their June 18-19 meetings.
According to RT, Yury Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy aide, said yesterday that the treaty “will outline the prospects for further cooperation” and will take into account recent developments in relations between Moscow and Pyongyang. The agreement, he added, “will not be confrontational and directed against any countries, but will be aimed at ensuring greater stability in the Northeast Asia region.”
Speaking to international news agency heads on June 5, on the sidelines of the SPIEF, Putin asserted: “Regarding our relations with North Korea, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, they are our neighbors. We will continue to develop these relationships, whether others approve it or not.”
