According to North Korea, it is determined to expand its ties with Russia and has criticized the recent condemnation by the United States and its allies regarding Pyongyang’s alleged arms deliveries to Russia, calling it politicized and distorted. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui condemned the military cooperation between the US, South Korea, and Japan and stated that their relations with Moscow will serve as a significant strategic element if security in the region is threatened.
The United States, South Korea, and Japan have all strongly condemned the suspected supply of arms and military equipment by North Korea to Russia, confirming the occurrence of “several” weapon deliveries. However, both Russia and North Korea have denied any transfer of arms from North Korea for use in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
In response, Choe stated, “If they were interested in proving that the specific sphere of cooperation between the DPRK and Russia poses a ‘threat’ to international peace and security, they should first clarify why their triangular military alliance is not seen as a threat to regional peace and security.” Choe’s statement was conveyed by the North’s KCNA news agency.
The United States, South Korea, and Japan have been strengthening their trilateral security cooperation to counter the increasing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
During a meeting between the leaders of North Korea and Russia in September, both countries pledged closer military cooperation. Furthermore, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier this month to discuss the implementation of agreements reached at the summit.
Choe emphasized, “It is the steadfast will and stance of the DPRK to comprehensively expand and develop bilateral relations with the Russian Federation.” He added that their ties will enter a “new higher phase through full implementation of the agreements.” DPRK represents the initials of the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi, Ju-min Park; Editing by Chris Reese and Sandra Maler
