What’s known, and not known, about the partnership agreement signed by Russia and North Korea

By KIM TONG-HYUNG and JIM HEINTZ
Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un say a new strategic partnership is a breakthrough, but what it means for their relationship is still uncertain. North Korean state media reported Thursday that the pact requires both countries to use all available means to provide immediate military assistance in the event of war. While the agreement could represent the countries’ strongest deal signed after the Cold War, there are differing opinions on how strong the security commitment is. Kim claimed that the deal elevated bilateral relations to the level of an alliance, while Putin was more understated and did not call it an alliance.