Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have inked a significant partnership agreement that includes mutual defense commitments, amid escalating tensions with Western powers.

The summit, marking Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years, solidifies what both leaders described as a historic upgrade in bilateral relations since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The agreement covers a wide range of areas including security, trade, investment, and cultural exchanges, aiming to bolster ties that Putin traced back to World War II and the Korean War. Kim hailed the deal as the "strongest ever treaty" between their nations, elevating their relationship to the level of an alliance.

Putin, who was greeted with grandeur in Pyongyang, expressed gratitude for North Korea's support of Russia's military actions in Ukraine, framing it as a joint effort against Western "imperialist hegemonistic policies." The summit comes amidst accusations that North Korea is aiding Russia with military equipment for use in Ukraine, in exchange for technological and economic benefits.

The United States and its allies have voiced concerns over the arms arrangement, with ongoing U.N. sanctions against both North Korea for its nuclear program and Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. Despite international scrutiny, the new partnership also includes agreements on infrastructure projects like a border road bridge and cooperation in healthcare and science.

Following the talks, Putin and Kim exchanged gifts, including a Russian-made limousine for Kim and artworks depicting Putin. The summit concludes amidst heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, marked by increased military activities and diplomatic maneuvers.

The agreement, seen as a defiance against Western pressures, signals a deepening of ties that could reshape geopolitical dynamics in the region. (ILKHA)