President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty after their summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday.

Putin called the new treaty, which would replace the previous ones, "a truly groundbreaking document that reflects the desire of the two countries not to rest on their laurels, but to bring our relations to a new qualitative level."

After hugs and a brief chat, the two rode in a Russian-made Aurus sedan together to the Kumsusan State Guesthouse along the capital's streets, which flew Russian national flags and welcoming banners.

He further promised "full support and solidarity with the Russian government, army and people in carrying out the special military operation in Ukraine to protect the sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity," according to Sputnik.

Putin thanked Kim for North Korea's support for the war and stressed the two countries' historical comradeship spanning from the early 20th century to their current opposition to "the hegemony policy, the imperialist politics of the United States and its satellites," Tass reported.

In the press conference later, Putin criticized the U.S.' "confrontational policy" in the region and defended North Korea against "all the attempts to place the blame for destabilization of the international situation" on his host.

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