The Deputy Foreign Minister of North Korea has criticized the United States for its hostile stance towards Pyongyang and Moscow, accusing Washington of demonstrating a Cold War mentality. In a statement released on Sunday, Im Chon Il referred to the US’s “unjust and outrageous hostility” and claimed that it revealed the lack of power and wisdom in the US’s confrontation with countries that oppose imperialism.
According to Im, the security alliance between the US, South Korea, and Japan, as well as the NATO military bloc, are “cancer-like entities jeopardizing the international order.” He specifically labeled NATO as the “mastermind of the Ukrainian crisis.” Im further claimed that the actions taken by the US and its allies have intensified the already strong relations between North Korea and Russia, which have reached “the height of development.”
The North Korean diplomat emphasized the intention to strengthen ties with Russia and other independent sovereign countries to deter military threats from imperialist powers and protect peace and security on the Korean peninsula and around the world.
The concerns raised by the US and South Korea were in response to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia last month. During his visit, Kim met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials. He toured various facilities, including the Vostochny Cosmodrome, military and civilian aviation plants, and was shown Russia’s nuclear-capable strategic bombers and fighter jets.
Upon Kim’s visit, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol criticized the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, considering it illegal and contrary to UN Security Council resolutions and international sanctions. US officials also speculated about potential arms deals between Russia and North Korea, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned that the US would respond appropriately if Moscow and Pyongyang decided to move forward with such agreements.
In response, Putin assured that Russia aims to build good neighborly relations with North Korea and emphasized that they have no intention of violating any sanctions. There was no confirmation or mention of any arms deals between Russia and North Korea during Kim’s visit.
The North Korean deputy foreign minister’s statement reveals the deepening partnership between North Korea and Russia, which is seen as a response to the US’s hostile actions and its alliance with South Korea and Japan. The statement also underscores North Korea’s commitment to fortifying its alliances with other independent sovereign states to counter imperialist threats and maintain global stability.
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