Putin to visit N. Korea as Kremlin floats possible ‘strategic’ treaty

AFP | Moscow, Russia

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to North Korea today, in a rare visit that may see Moscow sign a “strategic partnership treaty” with Pyongyang, the Kremlin said.

The historic trip -- which the Kremlin called a “friendly state visit” -- comes as Putin seeks ammunition to continue his military offensive in Ukraine and as the West suspects Pyongyang of sending weapons to Moscow.

“Several documents will be signed,” among which will be “important, highly significant documents”, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov was quoted as saying by state-run Russian news agencies.

This may include a “strategic partnership” document that will be an updated version of a 1961 Soviet-era agreement and one signed when Putin last visited the reclusive state in 2000, he said.