Vladimir Putin submitted his new military pact with North Korea to the Russian parliament for ratification on Monday, pushing for formal acceptance of the mutual defense pact he made with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in June.

The Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership stipulates that Russia and North Korea will defend each other if either comes under an external attack, according to the document filed with the State Duma, the lower chamber of the Russian parliament.

Russia and North Korea will develop a “comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect for national sovereignty,  … non-interference [and] equality,” the explanatory note