During a visit to Pyongyang, Russian ministers were abruptly told to leave the negotiation room by a North Korean official who was apparently upset that they had entered before leader Kim Jong Un. The incident occurred during a live broadcast of President Vladimir Putin’s visit by North Korean state media. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was the first to enter the room, followed by other high-ranking officials including First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev. Despite their protests, the North Korean official insisted on following protocol and asked them to wait for the leaders to arrive before joining the negotiations.
After the incident in the negotiation room, Russia and North Korea proceeded to sign a strategic treaty that included a mutual defense clause, which Putin described as a “breakthrough.” The Russian leader noted that his country was open to military-technical cooperation with North Korea in light of the newly signed treaty. Kim Jong Un referred to Putin as the “dearest friend of the Korean people” and expressed full support and solidarity with the Russian government regarding the conflict in Ukraine, which has resulted in UN sanctions against Moscow. In return, Putin thanked Kim for his unwavering support and called for a review of the sanctions regime imposed on North Korea.
Following the signing of the strategic treaty, the two leaders engaged in bilateral negotiations to discuss various issues of mutual interest. Putin and Kim’s meeting was significant as it underscored the close ties between Russia and North Korea despite international sanctions imposed on both countries. The Russian president praised Kim for his support and emphasized the importance of strengthening their relationship in the face of global challenges. The strategic treaty signed between Russia and North Korea symbolized a deepening of their partnership and cooperation in various fields, including defense and security matters.
Despite facing sanctions from the international community, North Korea remains a key ally of Russia in the region. The strategic treaty signed between the two countries is a testament to the importance of their relationship, especially in light of the ongoing conflicts and tensions in the world. Putin’s visit to Pyongyang and the subsequent signing of the agreement highlighted Russia’s commitment to supporting its allies and expanding its influence in the region. The mutual defense clause included in the treaty further solidified the bond between Russia and North Korea, signaling a new phase in their strategic partnership.
The incident involving the Russian ministers being asked to leave the negotiation room by a North Korean official highlighted the complexity of diplomatic interactions between countries. The importance of following protocol and respecting cultural norms was evident during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang, demonstrating the need for clear communication and understanding between nations. Despite the initial confusion, the signing of the strategic treaty between Russia and North Korea marked a significant step forward in their relationship and showed a shared commitment to strengthening ties and cooperation. Putin’s visit to Pyongyang and the subsequent negotiations with Kim Jong Un underscored the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and fostering peace in the region.
