Image: US media speculates that North Korea may seek space technology assistance from Russia. Image: The Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Amur Oblast. \AFP

Security

• On the 17th, Putin signed a resolution agreeing to sign the Treaty of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with North Korea. On the 18th, Putin published an article in the North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun, emphasizing that the two countries will work together to “elevate bilateral cooperation to a higher level.”

Economic sphere

•The two countries will develop alternative trade and settlement mechanisms that are not controlled by the West and jointly resist illegal unilateral restrictions.

Humanities

•The two countries will develop people-to-people cooperation and further strengthen exchanges in areas such as tourism, culture and education.

Energy

•Russian Deputy Prime Minister Novak, who is in charge of the energy sector, will accompany Putin on his visit to North Korea. The outside world predicts that the two countries will strengthen cooperation in the energy field.