N. Korea Ratifies Treaty with Russia

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed into law a treaty to establish a comprehensive and strategic partnership with Russia which is believed to upgrade bilateral relations to a military alliance fuelling concerns of more troop deployment and Russian tech transfer to the regime. State media also reported that Russia had also ratified the treaty interpreted as an attempt to show their military alignment and commitment to the treaty’s implementation.

The treaty takes effect from the day both sides exchange ratification instruments. But the South Korean government believes the exchange is a formality and that all necessary procedures have been completed.