how to read vis a vis?

Just read it literally? Vis a vis?

Context:
The timing of any intervention vis a vis its legitimacy is a key point. The Bosnian conflict of the 1990s may have changed the meaning of sovereignty, according to Korea Institute of Defense Analysis researcher Baek Seung Joo, but without complete and incontrovertible collapse, the international community can’t undertake intervention in North Korea as and when it wishes. North Korea has to request it, or it has to be clear that the security of a surrounding state is at risk.