PYONGYANG — North Korea commenced a significant plenary session of its ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), presided over by leader Kim Jong-un, as state media outlined expectations for discussions on a newly established treaty with Russia.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting, identified as the 10th enlarged session of the WPK's 8th Central Committee, was held on Friday to evaluate the nation's policy achievements in the first half of the year. The session is set to deliberate on "a series of important immediate issues arising in maintaining the upturn in the comprehensive development of Korean-style socialism."
The current plenary session has garnered heightened attention due to speculations that it might include comprehensive deliberations on enhancing cooperation with Russia. This follows the recent formulation of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Pyongyang and Moscow, which was signed during a summit between Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 19 in Pyongyang.
The meeting is reported to have five primary agenda items, which were unanimously approved by the Central Committee members, though specific details of the discussions remain undisclosed. This year’s meeting is particularly pivotal as it is poised to set the trajectory for North Korea’s diplomatic and military strategies, especially in light of the treaty which includes clauses that could necessitate immediate military support between the signatories in case of armed aggression against either nation.
This development marks a significant shift in North Korea's international relations, reminiscent of Cold War-era alliances, potentially altering regional security dynamics.