Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro claimed victory in the country’s disputed presidential election this week, drawing widespread skepticism of the results and triggering major domestic protests alleging fraud.

Maduro’s illiberal allies — including China, Russia and Iran — were quick to recognize his win, yet North Korea has been notably silent on the result, with no state media reports on the election or letter of congratulations from Kim Jong Un.

But if the past is any indication, the Venezuelan leader can count on having the DPRK in his corner as he digs in for confrontation with the U.S. and the