On 17 June, ahead of the visit Russia’s President Vladimir Putin revealed the goals of his visit to North Korea. He assured to develop trade and security arrangements with North Korea avoiding west’s pressure. The visit was aimed to bring “more democracy and stability to international relations.” Putin also pledged to increase “people to people interaction, academic mobility and cultural exchanges” to boost confidence and mutual understanding. Putin’s visit marks his first trip to North Korea after 2000. North Korea leader ahead of Putin’s arrival expressed: “Full support and solidarity with the struggles of the Russian government, military and the people.”

What is the visit about?
On 19 June, Putin's visit to Pyongyang is hailed as an occasion to reinforce the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Russian Federation. Two leaders began their negotiations on issues over foreign policy and formation of a multipolar world. During the discussion, Putin revealed the preparation of a “fundamental document” which would lay groundwork for their long-term relations. The discussion lasting more than an hour ended in two leaders signing of Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This would mean the replacement of earlier signed documents in 1961 and 2000. According to Russian presidential foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov, the new agreement aims to “promote stability in northeastern Asia” and boost military cooperation between Russia and North Korea mainly addressing the recent “security issues.” Following the signing of the document, Putin said: “This is a truly breakthrough document, reflecting the desire of the two countries not to rest on their laurels, but to raise our relations to a new qualitative level.” Whereas Kim called it “peaceful and defensive” and added: “I have no doubt that it will become a driving force in accelerating the creation of a new multipolar world.”

What are the achievements?
The main outcome of the negotiations was signing of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which was viewed as an exchange of assistance in a scenario of aggression against them. The treaty does not only seal strategic partnership under aggressive situation, it also opens possibility for military-technological cooperation. Putin, who warned against the “indefinite restrictions” imposed by UN Security Council on North Korea and criticised the increasing US military infrastructure in the region vowed to send weapons and strive for “a just and democratic world order.”

The treaty emphasizes on three key factors. One, tactical cooperation to maintain close communication, strengthen defence capabilities and to provide military and other assistance “with all means” in an armed invasion. Two, conduct economic cooperation by creating favourable conditions, promotion of inter-regional investments and businesses and mutual protection of investment in line with 1996 intergovernmental agreement. Three, opting joint measures to ensure regional and global peace and stability by extending comprehensive bilateral relations.

Apart from the treaty, Russia and North Korea signed two additional agreements for construction of “a border road bridge across the Tumannaya River,” (The river flows in northeast Asia between the border of China and North Korea in the upper and runs between Russia in the lower before entering Sea of Japan). Another deal ensures cooperation in healthcare, medical education and science.

A key achievement is the symbolic victory and reaffirmation of the “invincibility and durability” of the DPRK-Russia friendship. This would be a significant achievement for North Korea, as it seeks to strengthen its military capabilities and leverage in international affairs through closer defence cooperation with Russia.

What is the Russian objective?
The visit showcased Putin’s drive to garner support from North Korea for its policies towards Ukraine invasion. Largely it highlighted gathering partner against the west and symbol against imperialist policy. At the same time, Putin referring to massive changes in Pyongyang since his visit in 2000 indicates as a potential place for infrastructure and economic collaboration.

Russia’s key interest remain in North Korea’s military assets and viewing it as a potential to develop cooperation in the fields of economy, law enforcement, security, foreign policy structures and exchange between public organisations. This could result in increased cooperation over weapons production to help Russian in return it could improve North Korea’s nuclear and missile programme.

Secondly, it also sets forth for long term Russian-Korean ties deepening relations into political, security, trade and cultural spheres.

Third, it refurbishes the (Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance) 1961 and (Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation) 2000 signed bilateral agreements with North Korea laying path to increase trade further. As per 2023, the trade turnover for Russia had increased nine times and 54 per cent growth recorded till now in 2024.

Fourth, this provides an opportunity to collaborate in the interest of the third-party actors such as China. The visit involved interaction on strategic project to modernize a railway connection involving Russian railways. This benefits China, as mass amount of coal is shipped through Khasan-Rajin railway.

Overall, in comparison to earlier existed Russia-North Korea bilateral partnership, the visit furthers the collaboration into a strategic partnership expanding into newer sectors such as agriculture, solidifies the existed agreements with critical importance given to boost to military and trade cooperation. Depending on North Korea’s defence and economic ability to cope with Russian demand given the war in Ukraine and Russia’s deftness to stand up in the international forum and strengthen North Korea’s economy, the strategic partnership will see a breakthrough.

What is North Korea’s objective?
The primary objective is to solidify their alliance and deepen cooperation across various domains, including security, military, and economic spheres. As stated by the Korean Central News Agency (KNCA) of DPRK, the significance of this visit is “reliably promoting the strategic and future-oriented development of the DPRK-Russia relations,” which have endured through generations and are now entering a “new comprehensive development” phase. This objective aligns with North Korea's aspiration to challenge the existing global order and promote a “multi-polar world,” where it can assert greater influence alongside major powers like Russia. While the focus is primarily on security and strategic cooperation, the objective of the visit is to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries. This could reduce the economic strain on North Korea caused by international sanctions and aid in its pursuit of becoming a “powerful country.” Additionally, by hosting a high-profile visit from the Russian president and showcasing their strengthening ties, North Korea aims to project an image of power and influence on the global stage. This visit is portrayed as an opportunity for North Korea to assert its position and challenge the existing global order, particularly in the context of its nuclear and missile programs, which have raised concerns in the West.

Overall, Putin's visit was a triumph for North Korea, providing a platform to advance its strategic objectives, bolster its military capabilities, and solidify its partnership with a major power like Russia. This visit is presented as a pivotal step towards achieving North Korea's aspirations of becoming a formidable force in the international arena while defying the pressures and sanctions imposed by the global community.

References
“Putin reveals goals of North Korea trip,” RT, 17 June 2024
“Russian-Korean documents signed during the state visit of the President of the Russian Federation V. Putin to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea,” Kremlin.ru, 19 June 2024
“Beginning of Russian-Korean negotiations in an expanded format,” Kremlin.ru, 19 June 2024
“Press statements following Russian-Korean talks,” Kremlin.ru, 19 June 2024
Sue Mi Terry and Stephen Sestanovich, “Russia Struck a Defense Pact With North Korea. What Does It Mean?,” cfr.org, 19 June 2024
“President of Russian Federation Arrives in Pyongyang to Pay State Visit to DPRK,” Korean Central News Agency, 19 June 2024