Russia and North Korea have elevated their diplomatic relations to new heights, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. During his two-day trip to Pyongyang, Lavrov met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and declared that the recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had elevated bilateral ties to a “completely new, strategic level.” Choe Son-hui echoed Lavrov’s sentiments, stating that the partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang is developing into “the invincible relations of comrades-in-arms.”
However, Lavrov also expressed concern about the military build-up by the US, Japan, and South Korea on the Korean Peninsula, as well as Washington’s policy of deploying strategic infrastructure and nuclear assets in the region. He criticized these actions as “unconstructive and dangerous,” and emphasized Russia’s commitment to de-escalation and preventing tensions in the region. Lavrov emphasized that Russia, North Korea, and China all support initiating regular negotiations on security issues on the Korean Peninsula without any preconditions.
During his trip, Lavrov planned to discuss the implementation of agreements reached by Putin and Kim during their historic summit in Russia’s Far East in September. The summit saw Kim spend almost a week in Russia, during which he toured the Vostochny Cosmodrome, met with high-ranking officials, and inspected Russian advanced weaponry, including nuclear-capable strategic bombers and fighter jets.
Lavrov also commended North Korea for its unwavering support of Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine, including its recognition of four formerly Ukrainian regions as part of Russia. These territories had voted overwhelmingly to join Russia in public referendums. North Korea had previously recognized the results of the referendum in Crimea, which voted to become part of Russia in 2014 after the coup in Kiev.
This recent diplomatic milestone is seen as a result of the Putin-Kim summit, which paved the way for improved relations between Russia and North Korea. The two countries are now forging stronger ties, with Lavrov’s visit symbolizing the deepening partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang.
In conclusion, Russia and North Korea’s diplomatic relations have reached a new strategic level, according to Lavrov. Both countries are committed to de-escalation and regular negotiations on security issues on the Korean Peninsula, while also supporting each other on international matters. This landmark visit by Lavrov serves as a testament to the growing partnership between Russia and North Korea.
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