"Ratification of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between our countries confirms the bilateral interest in the comprehensive development of allied relations. We are grateful for the commitment to the course of deepening ties with Russia," Belousov said during talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang.
He said North Korea is one of the few countries to pursue an independent foreign policy.
"Of course, Comrade Kim Jong Un, this is exclusively your merit," the Russian defense minister told Kim.
He conveyed to the North Korean leader greetings and best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russia and North Korea signed a treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership in June, which stipulates that, should one of the parties be subjected to an armed aggression by a state or a group of states and find itself in a state of conflict, the other party shall immediately provide military and other forms of assistance in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and Russian and North Korean laws.