Putin seals mutual defense pact in N Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement yesterday that deepens military cooperation to include a mutual defense pledge to help each other if attacked, with the latter calling it an "alliance."

Kim spoke at a rare press conference following a meeting in Pyongyang, announcing the signing of a "comprehensive strategic partnership" that the Russian leader said included defensive elements.

"The agreement provides, among other things, for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties," said Putin, making his first visit to North Korea in 24 years.

Putin's visit, which is likely to reshape decades of bilateral relations at a time when both face international isolation, is being watched closely by Seoul and Washington, which have expressed concern about their growing military ties.

The reaction from China, the North's main political and economic benefactor and an increasingly important ally for Moscow, has been muted.

"Our two countries' relations have been elevated to the new higher level of an alliance," Kim said.

At the start of their summit, Kim expressed "unconditional support" for "all of Russia's policies," including "a full support and firm alliance" for Putin's war on Ukraine.

Putin said Moscow was fighting the hegemonic, imperialist policy of the United States and its allies.

"We highly appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in the Ukrainian direction," Putin said.