TOKYO, December 5. /TASS/. The Russia-DPRK strategic partnership treaty has entered force, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jong Gyu and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko signed the protocol on exchange of ratification instruments in Moscow on December 4. In accordance with the treaty’s text, it is to come into force from then onward, rendering ineffective the February 9, 2000 bilateral treaty of friendship, good neighborliness and cooperation.
The KCNA report also outlines Pyongyang’s stance, stating that Russian-DPRK relations, based on the new treaty, "will be a powerful security device that promotes the wellbeing of the peoples of the two countries, eases the regional situation and guarantees international strategic stability, and will serve as a strong driving force accelerating the establishment of independent and just multi-polarized world order without domination, subjugation and hegemony."
The treaty was concluded on June 19, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea. He signed the ratification document on November 9, while North Korean leader Kim Jong Un did so on November 11.
Contents of the treaty
In accordance with the document, the parties, taking into account the legislation of their states and their international obligations, shall continuously maintain and develop relations of universal strategic partnership based on the principles of mutual respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, and other principles of international law concerning friendly relations and cooperation between states.
In particular, the treaty provides for the immediate provision of military and other assistance if one of the parties is subjected to an armed attack in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. In addition, the parties undertake not to enter into agreements with third states which are directed against the sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, right to free choice and development of the political, social, economic and cultural systems of the other party.
The parties also agreed to cooperate in the spheres of food and energy security, information and communication technologies, and health care. Cooperation will also be expanded in the areas of trade, economics, investment, and science and technology.
The treaty will have an unlimited duration.