Moscow and Pyongyang sign comprehensive strategic partnership treaty

PYONGYANG. June 19 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea, replacing the fundamental documents signed between the two countries in 1961, 2000 and 2001.

Putin, speaking at talks with Kim, called the new treaty "a fundamental document that will form the long-term basis for our relations."

The signing ceremony took place following Russian-North Korean talks in the presence of the two countries' delegations and after a lengthy one-to-one meeting between the Russian and North Korean leaders.