Seoul: North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui has praised the nation's mutual defense treaty with Russia as an "invincible alliance." This statement was made during a reception in Pyongyang, as North Korea and Russia commemorated the first anniversary of their leaders signing the treaty. The event was attended by significant figures, including North Korea's Defense Minister No Kwang-chol and Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexandr Matsegora.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the reception highlighted North Korea's ongoing commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty with Russia. Signed on June 19 by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the treaty stipulates that both nations will provide mutual assistance if either comes under armed attack. This anniversary marks a year of growing military cooperation between the two countries.

In related developments, North Korea demonstrated its military capabilities by firing around 10 artillery shells from its multiple rocket launcher system. This followed joint air drills conducted by South Korea, the United States, and Japan. The shelling was aimed toward the Yellow Sea from the Sunan area near Pyongyang, as confirmed by South Korea's military, which is currently analyzing the incident.

Furthermore, North Korea has voiced strong disapproval of Israel's recent air strike on Iran, labeling it a "hideous act" and criticizing Israel as a destabilizing force in the Middle East. This condemnation was issued by a spokesperson from North Korea's foreign ministry, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

As North Korea continues to fortify its alliances, the nation has also sent a significant number of military builders and sappers to Russia's Kursk region. This move underscores the deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia as they prepare to celebrate the first anniversary of their defense treaty.

North Korea has also expressed its consistent intent to strengthen ties with China. This was reiterated by North Korea's vice foreign minister during a reception held by the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang, marking the U.N.-designated International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. This reflects North Korea's strategic efforts to maintain and enhance its regional alliances.

In a final note, North Korea criticized the United States for its "strategic flexibility" concerning U.S. forces stationed in South Korea, viewing it as an aggressive maneuver aimed at expanding military influence in the region. This commentary was published by the Korean Central News Agency, highlighting ongoing tensions between North Korea and the United States.