North Korea: North Korea has ratified a landmark mutual treaty to establish a strategic partnership with Russia stipulating mutual military aid, state media has announced.

According to Oman News Agency, Kim Jong Un, the leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea-North Korea’s official name-has signed a decree to ratify the “Treaty of Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships” with Russia. The agreement will take effect when both sides exchange the ratification instruments, as reported by North Korea’s official news agency (KCNA).

The treaty, first signed in Pyongyang on 19 June during a state visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, obliges both countries to provide immediate military assistance to each other using “all means” necessary if either faces “aggression.”

Russia’s parliament ratified the treaty on 6 November.