Russia and North Korea have taken a step toward improving relations as President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un

signed a strategic partnership agreement today.

Both sides pledge to help each other's defense and security and to fight off sanctions.

Stephanie Sigh has the story.

As the Russian jet rolled in to Pyongyang, the North Koreans rolled out the red carpet. Leader Kim Jong-un welcomed

President Vladimir Putin to North Korea for the first time in 24 years.

As Putin looks for support for his war in Ukraine, Kim hopes to find an

economic and military ally. The tone for the summit was set with a sturdy embrace.

In recent years, the countries have flirted with stronger ties.

Kim Jong-un first traveled to Russia in 2019 and again in 2003 to meet Putin.

But neither trip produced a formal alliance.

The U.S. accuses North Korea of sending ammunition and weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine and worries that in exchange

Russia is boosting North Korea's nuclear program.

Kim and Putin have denied it since such a trade would violate UN sanctions.

But in March, a Russian veto on the Security Council ended the UN's monitoring of nuclear

sanctions on North Korea and raised alarm bills.

We highly appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy.

I'm referring to our fight against the

hegemonic policy imposed for decades, the imperialist policy of the

United States and its satellites. Today's summit formalized the

strongest relationship between the two countries since the Cold War.

Our two countries relations have been elevated to a new high level of alliance,

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