Russia pact with North Korea will protect us both from aggression, says Putin | BBC News

Summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea, meeting Kim Jong-un for the first time in 24 years. The visit included a red carpet welcome and a military parade. They signed a partnership agreement, described as defensive in nature, with Putin acknowledging North Korea's right to self-defense. Kim referred to Russia as a trusted ally, and both leaders exchanged gifts. The meeting's implications for the ongoing war in Ukraine, including potential ammunition support from North Korea to Russia, are a cause for concern among international observers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years, meeting Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang.
• 🏰 Putin received a red carpet welcome, complete with a military parade and ceremony.
• 📝 A partnership agreement was signed between Russia and North Korea, described as defensive in nature.
• 🛡️ Putin stated that North Korea has the right to defend itself, following security and international issue talks.
• 🤝 Kim Jong-un referred to Russia as the most honest friend and ally, and Putin as the dearest friend of the Korean people.
• 🎁 Gifts were exchanged during the visit, with Kim receiving a te set and a luxury Russian-made Aurus car.
• 🗣️ Putin expressed appreciation for North Korea's unwavering support for Russia's policy, including the conflict in Ukraine.
• 🔍 The nature of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement is not fully clear, raising questions about its implications.
• 🌏 The meeting could signal a strengthening of ties between Russia and North Korea, potentially impacting global politics.
• 🤔 China, which has a mutual defense treaty with North Korea, is carefully observing the new partnership, with implications for regional dynamics.
• ⚔️ The mutual defense pact might be deliberately ambiguous to keep the West guessing, with potential impacts on the Ukraine conflict.

Q & A

What was the significance of Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea?

It was Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years, marking a significant diplomatic event and a sign of strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea.

What type of welcome did Vladimir Putin receive in Pyongyang?

Putin was given a red carpet welcome, complete with ceremony, crowds, and a grand military parade.

What was the nature of the agreement signed between Russia and North Korea?

The agreement signed was described as a partnership of a defensive nature, emphasizing North Korea's right to self-defense.

How did Kim Jong-un refer to Russia during the visit?

Kim Jong-un referred to Russia as the most honest friend and ally, and called President Putin the dearest friend of the Korean people.

What gifts were exchanged between the leaders during the visit?

Kim Jong-un received a te set and a luxury Russian-made Aurus car. The gifts Mr. Putin received were not disclosed but were hinted to be related to his image, including busts.

What did Putin say about Kim Jong-un's support for the war in Ukraine?

Putin highly appreciated Kim Jong-un's consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including the fight against what he called the 'imperialist policy' imposed by the United States and its allies.

What is the perspective of South Korea on the meeting between Putin and Kim Jong-un?

The meeting was seen as unusual from the South Korean side, and it is considered important due to the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, the details of which are still emerging.

How might China view the mutual defense pact signed by Russia and North Korea?

China may view the pact with caution, as it already has a mutual defense treaty with North Korea and does not want to be seen as part of a trilateral alliance that could jeopardize its relationship with the West.

What implications does the meeting have for the ongoing war in Ukraine?

The meeting could be concerning for Ukraine, as it suggests that North Korea might continue to supply Russia with ammunition, exacerbating Ukraine's shortage of ammunition for the war.

What are the potential limitations of the Russia-North Korea relationship?

One of the main limitations is China's influence, as China has a significant trade relationship with North Korea and does not want to see its relationship with the West jeopardized by a perceived trilateral alliance.

What might be the reasons for the upgraded alliance between Russia and North Korea?

Both countries need each other: North Korea needs financial and fuel support, which it gets from Russia, while Russia might need ammunition from North Korea to support its campaign in Ukraine.

Outlines

00:00

🤝 Putin's Historic Visit and Partnership with North Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a significant visit to North Korea, meeting with Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang. This marked Putin's first visit to the country in 24 years and was met with a grand welcome, including a red carpet, military parade, and ceremony. A partnership agreement was signed, described as defensive in nature, with both leaders emphasizing the right of North Korea to self-defense. Putin praised Kim's support for Russia's stance on the conflict in Ukraine, and in return, Kim referred to Russia as North Korea's most honest ally. The visit also involved an exchange of gifts, highlighting the strengthening of ties between the two nations.

05:03

🔍 Analyzing the Implications of the Russia-North Korea Meeting

The meeting between Putin and Kim Jong-un has raised questions and concerns in the West, particularly regarding its implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the details of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement remain unclear, it suggests a potential military alliance. China's reaction is also of interest, as it holds a mutual defense treaty with North Korea and is closely monitoring the situation. The meeting could indicate a strengthening of ties between Russia and North Korea, possibly affecting the balance of power in the region. However, the extent to which this partnership will influence the war in Ukraine or the relationship with China is still speculative and requires further observation.

10:05

🚀 North Korea's Role in Russia's Military Supply Chain

The visit between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin is of particular concern to Ukraine, as it suggests that North Korea may continue to supply Russia with ammunition for its war efforts. Ukraine has faced challenges with ammunition shortages, and the potential partnership with North Korea could exacerbate this issue. Evidence suggests that North Korea has been supplying Russia since August of the previous year, possibly from its stockpiles. The sustainability of this supply is in question, as North Korea's production capacity may be limited. The nature of the support Russia provides to North Korea in return for the ammunition is also a topic of speculation, with theories suggesting it could involve raw materials or logistical support for weapon production.

Keywords

💡World Leaders

The term 'world leaders' refers to individuals who hold the highest political office in a country and have significant influence on global affairs. In the video, the world leaders mentioned are Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un, who are seen as outcasts on the global stage but have come together for a significant meeting.

💡Red Carpet Welcome

A 'red carpet welcome' is a grand and ceremonial reception given to a dignitary or guest of honor, symbolizing respect and high status. The script describes Putin's arrival in Pyongyang, where he received such a welcome, marking his first visit to the country in 24 years.

💡Partnership Agreement

A 'partnership agreement' is a formal contract between two parties to cooperate in a business or political endeavor. The script reports that Russia and North Korea signed such an agreement, which is described as defensive in nature, indicating a mutual commitment to support each other's interests.

💡Defensive Nature

'Defensive nature' implies a stance or action taken to protect oneself from potential threats or harm. The script mentions that the partnership agreement signed between Russia and North Korea is of a defensive nature, suggesting it is aimed at safeguarding their respective interests against external threats.

💡Security and International Issues

These terms refer to matters of national and global concern that involve protection from threats and the management of relations between countries. The script notes that Putin and Kim discussed security and international issues during their talks, indicating the strategic importance of their meeting.

💡Honest Friend and Ally

This phrase denotes a relationship of trust and support between nations. Kim Jong-un referred to Russia as the 'most honest friend and ally,' highlighting the perceived sincerity and reliability of the relationship in contrast to other international partnerships.

💡Gift Exchange

A 'gift exchange' is a customary practice in diplomatic visits where leaders exchange symbolic presents to strengthen ties. The script describes the exchange of gifts between Kim and Putin, including a te set and a luxury Russian-made Aurus car for Kim, and hints at gifts related to Putin's image.

💡Mutual Defense Pact

A 'mutual defense pact' is an agreement between nations to provide military support to each other in the event of an attack. The script mentions such a pact being discussed, which could have significant implications for the balance of power and military alliances in the region.

💡Imperialist Policy

The term 'imperialist policy' refers to the practice of extending a nation's power and influence through colonization or domination of other territories. Putin's statement about fighting against the 'imperialist policy' imposed by the United States and its allies reflects the narrative of resistance against perceived hegemony.

💡Ammunition Shortage

An 'ammunition shortage' occurs when there is insufficient stock of bullets, shells, or other military ordnance. The script discusses Ukraine's struggle with such a shortage during the war, and the potential impact of North Korea supplying Russia with ammunition, exacerbating Ukraine's challenges.

💡Global Pariah

A 'global pariah' is a state or entity that is widely shunned or excluded from the international community due to its actions or policies. The script suggests that China does not want to be perceived as part of a trilateral alliance with Russia and North Korea, as it could risk being labeled a global pariah.

Highlights

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits North Korea for the first time in 24 years, meeting Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang.

Putin receives a red carpet welcome, complete with ceremony, crowds, and a grand military parade.

A partnership agreement is signed between Russia and North Korea, described as defensive in nature.

Kim Jong-un calls Russia the most honest friend and ally, referring to Putin as the dearest friend of the Korean people.

Leaders exchange gifts, with Kim receiving a te set and a luxury Russian-made Aurus car.

The nature of the gifts Putin received remains undisclosed but is hinted to be related to his image, including busts.

Putin praises Kim Jong-un's unwavering support for Russia's policy, especially regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

BBC correspondent David O discusses the unusual nature of the meeting and its implications for regional relations.

The signed agreement is compared to a 1961 agreement between the Soviet Union and North Korea, suggesting a strengthening of ties.

China's perspective on the visit is explored, with correspondent Laura Beer noting potential ambiguity in the mutual defense pact.

China's relationship with both Russia and North Korea is highlighted, including its own mutual defense treaty with North Korea.

The potential impact of the visit on the ongoing war in Ukraine is discussed, with concerns over North Korea supplying Russia with ammunition.

Ukrainian concerns are highlighted, as the visit may indicate a continued supply of ammunition from North Korea to Russia.

Evidence suggests North Korea has been supplying Russia with ammunition and weapons since August of the previous year.

The limits of North Korea's ability to continue supplying Russia are questioned, as much of the ammunition comes from stockpiles.

The potential for Russia to provide North Korea with raw materials and logistical support for weapon production is considered.

Correspondent Jean McKenzie reports from Ukraine on the implications of the meeting for the ongoing conflict.

Transcripts

now there are two world leaders who were

seen by many as outcasts on the global

stage today they came together Russia's

Vladimir Putin traveled to North Korea

to meet k Kim Jong-un in pongyang there

was a red carpet welcome for Mr Putin

for his first visit to the country in 24

years it was full of ceremony complete

with red roses crowds and a grand

military parade Russian State media is

reporting that a partnership agreement's

been signed with North Korea on

Wednesday and they said it was Defensive

in nature it quoted him as saying North

Korea had a right to defend itself he

was speaking after talks which Mr Putin

had said covered security and

international issues meanwhile Mr Kim's

been delivering remarks and he called

Russia the most honest friend and Ally

referring to President Putin as the

dearest friend of the Korean people well

the two leaders also exchanged gifts

during that visit with Mr Kim receiving

a te set and a luxury russian-made aurus

car an aid to the Kremlin said now the

Kremlin did not say yet what Gifts Mr

Putin had received but hinted they were

related to Vladimir Putin's image

including

busts well this is what Russian

president Mr Putin had to say about Kim

jong's support for the war in

Ukraine we highly appreciate your

consistent and unwavering support for

Russian policy including the Ukrainian

Direction I mean our fight against the

honic imperialist policy imposed for

decades by the United States and its

satellites toward the Russian

Federation now we can speak to David O

from the BBC Korean Service who joins me

live from Soul um you've covered North

and South Korea's relationship for a

long time first of all what is is the

perspective on this meeting today from

the South Korean

side yes I have to tell say that I've

been seen this quite unusual picture as

you also show so that the Putin and

Vadim Putin and Kim Jong together

shaking hands I mean we saw them in last

September last year but as you mentioned

this it's it's been more than 20 decade

two decades that Vladimir Putin went p

himself and they had a uh more more than

two hours of a meeting today and after

the meeting they signed an agreement and

this is very important we know this say

signed agreement that is called

comprehensive strategic partnership but

we still don't know what that exactly

means some details are emerging from the

news reports that Russian um news report

saying that Putin was quoted saying this

is the Breakthrough document and kimjun

was quoted saying this is the strongest

opport trity

but what does that means for for

instance the the war in Ukraine is that

means that North Korea will be actively

engaging war in and Ukraine we still

don't know but now some details are

emerging and that uh people are

comparing that this agreement uh similar

to the agreement they signed in 1961

before Soviet Union and that that

agreement was

uh finished by when South Korea uh made

a diplomatic ties within Russia in 1990s

so is that means that the two countries

are becoming close than ever in

1990s I think that's the possibility and

we have to wait and see okay David O

insult thank you very much for joining

us well let's take a broader look at

that meeting and see how another close

Ally of Russia China feels about this

visit well joining me now is our China

correspondent Laura beer who's been

following developments from Beijing

Laura first of all you've covered uh

South Korea and North Korea before as

well before you got to China so i' just

like to get your broader thoughts on

this meeting in the first place seeing

these two leaders side by side

exchanging those gifts for Red Carpet

welcome what's your take on

it well one of the things I'm pouring

over is that agreement that David just

mentioned it's called a mutual defense

pact and it would appear that if the

other comes under aggression as

President Putin put it in the press

conference the other would come to uh

each other would come to their aid now

how strongly that will be taken is hard

to know and it might actually be so

ambiguous uh that it's difficult for us

to to figure out and I think the other

thing is it might be deliberately

ambiguous to keep the West guessing we

may never really know but as David

alluded to there what is happening

between these two is an upgrade of the

friendship to what Kim Jong-un called an

alliance but what I would caution

because there are many across the West

many sitting in Soul in Ukraine in

Washington and in London watching this

wondering if this H isn't new so-called

Access of Evil what I would caution is

that when it comes to ties between uh

Russia and North Korea there are many

limitations and one of those limitations

is here in Beijing and they friend ship

with Beijing H China already has a

mutual defense treaty with North Korea

so they'll be looking at this document

very carefully but it seems that China

is standing back from this partnership

they may not even fully agree with it

when Mr Putin was here in May for a

visit with President XI it is understood

and was reported at the time that

Beijing officials asked Mr Putin not to

go straight to Pyongyang from here in

Beijing they said they did not like the

Optics China doesn't want to be seen as

part of a trilateral yes they say this

is a this is an agreement between North

Korea and Russia this is a meeting

between President Putin and Kim Jong-un

China wants to stand back from that and

actually H today the Chinese officials

are meeting with South Korean officials

in Soul just to show that they have

footprint right around the region and

there's a good reason from the from

China's point of view they're trying to

appeal as to the uh the world as a

global leader and they want to have a

partnership with the West they need its

business for instance they do not want

to be a global Pariah okay Laura and

you've covered the careers as well um

more specifically what else do you

think's in it for

them when I look at this uh Mutual

defense uh pact I would say that South

Korea this is the red line that South

Korea did not want so I think when we

look to see the wording of it that's

what South Korea will be looking for you

know the issue around the border right

now is incredibly tense it's the most

tense it's been I think the other thing

is um when you look at how different

things are when I was in Korea back

between

2017 H and

2022 H this was a very different North

Korean a very different Korean

partnership we had the emerging of Kim

Jong-un from Pyongyang he met with uh

the South Korean president uh three

times they met with Donald Trump three

times he met with President XI three

times back then Vladimir Putin he only

met once then they were not firm friends

and now they seem fast friends trying to

upgrade their Alliance and that is

because they need one another North

Korea needs money it needs fuel around

50% of its fuel comes from Russia and

when it comes to Russia they need

ammunition from North Korea to help its

campaign in Ukraine and that's one of

the reasons why the two are getting

together now certainly in the past this

is not a relation ship that either had

prioritized North Korea had prioritized

its relationship with China 85% of its

trade if not more comes from China so

when it comes to both of them yes

they're upgrading their partnership with

each other but they won't want to

jeopardize their relationship with China

great to have your Insight on this story

Laura Bier our correspondent in

Beijing well our correspondent in

Ukraine Jean McKenzie reports from keev

on these talks and she gave us her take

on how Ukraine is likely to be viewing

this visit look this this visit is very

bad news for Ukraine of course because

one of the major challenges that Ukraine

has faced throughout this war is a

shortage of ammunition compared to the

Russians you know Ukraine has had a

really tough time over the past 6 months

because it didn't get those vital

supplies of ammunition from the United

States because that us a package was

held up in Congress and so when it looks

to Russia and it sees that Vladimir

Putin has this partner in North Korea

which has the ability AB ility to supply

it with vast amounts of ammunition then

of course that is worrying Ukraine's

foreign minister was speaking yesterday

to the BBC's hard talk program and he

said that what this visit showed was

that neither Ukraine nor Russia was

going to be able to continue fighting

this war on its own and what it was

going to come down to essentially was

how much each side's allies were able to

provide it with and willing to provide

it with so Ukraine is going to use this

meeting to keep pressing its allies to

send more weapons but also to reiterate

this message it has that this is not

just a war in Ukraine Russia is waging a

war of aggression against the rest of

the world you know this is not just

something that even threatens Europe now

it touches Asia too we have pretty solid

evidence now that North Korea has been

supplying Russia with ammunition and

weapons since about August last year so

the United States the UK South Korea

they've all produced um intelligence to

this effect that um thousands of shi

containers have gone back between North

Korea and Russia uh filled likely with

these artillery shells we've also had

similar work from open source

investigators who've been tracking these

containers going backwards and forwards

also movement across the two Count's

rail border now a lot of this comes from

North Korea's stock piles because North

Korea is still technically a war with

South Korea so it has to hold on to a

vast number of shells some of the

estimates have been that now millions of

shells have been sent so the big

question actually is with this meeting

how much longer can North Korea continue

to supply Russia at the rate we think it

has been since about August last year

because if a lot of this stuff is coming

from stock piles of course that has a

limit so at some point North Korea is

going to have to be producing this stuff

and that might be at a slower rate now

South Korea's defense minister said

earlier this year that they had noticed

that North Korea's weapons factories

were operating at Full Tilt and one of

the questions in all of this has always

been well what is North Korea getting

back from the Russians in in return for

these weapons and some the United States

has put forward one kind of theory is

that Russia could decide to provide

North Korea with some of the raw

materials it needs to produce some of

these weapons perhaps the logistical

support that it needs to turn this stuff

around and if Russia is actually able to

amp up its production through North

Korea then of course this is very bad

news for

Ukraine that's Jean McKenzie there in

Ukraine with her thoughts on this

meeting between Kim and Putin