North Korea has ratified a mutual defense treaty with Russia signed by the two countries' leaders in June, which calls for each side to come to the other's aid in case of an armed attack, state-run television KRT says.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a decree to ratify the pact on Monday, KRT said, adding that it takes effect when both sides exchange the ratification instruments.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also signed the treaty into law, which stipulates that the two countries should "immediately provide military and other assistance using all available means" if either side is in a state of war.
Kim clinched the accord with Putin at a summit in June, touting it as a step to elevate bilateral ties to something akin to an "alliance."
(Source: Reuters)