North Korea and Russia’s new treaty outlining commitments for mutual defense, while focused on military and economic ties, could also provide a foundation for bilateral cooperation to undermine global efforts to improve the DPRK’s human rights situation, according to NK Pro analysis.

On the one hand, the two countries’ efforts to increase economic cooperation could help improve the living conditions of North Koreans if it leads to increased food assistance or new business opportunities.

But the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership also includes language about cooperation on illegal migration, information security and opposition