Politics South Korea criticizes Russia's partnership agreement with North Korea

South Korea has strongly condemned Russia's agreement with North Korea on a comprehensive strategic partnership. The treaty aims to "strengthen military and economic cooperation" between countries, said South Korea's National Security Advisor Chang Ho Jin in Seoul on Thursday. However, any cooperation that directly or indirectly helps North Korea to strengthen its military constitutes a violation of UN resolutions against the country, said Chang. South Korea wanted to take countermeasures.

North Korea, ruled by ruler Kim Jong Un, is subject to far-reaching UN sanctions and import bans due to its nuclear weapons program, including the trade in weapons and the transfer of military technologies to the country. During a state visit to Pyongyang on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the new partnership agreement with Kim, which also provides for mutual assistance in the event of war.

North Korea's state media published the wording of the agreement on Thursday, which also contains an obligation to provide assistance. It states: "Should one of the two sides be brought to a state of war by the armed invasion of one or more states, the other side must immediately provide military or other assistance by all means at its disposal."

Russia's growing military cooperation with North Korea has long been viewed with great concern by the USA and its allies. The USA accuses North Korea of equipping Russia with missiles and artillery ammunition for its war of aggression against Ukraine. They fear that the isolated North Korea could receive key military technology from Russia in return. Both countries have denied any such cooperation.