South Korea has conveyed its "deep concern and regret" regarding the meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at expanding military cooperation, the VOA reports.
This development has raised concerns in Seoul as it believes that the two leaders, both known for their reclusive nature and nuclear capabilities, may be striking a deal amid rising tensions with the United States.
Washington has issued warnings that a summit between Kim and Putin could potentially lead to an agreement to supply ammunition for Russia's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. South Korea is particularly alarmed that North Korea might obtain advanced weapons technology from Russia, including military spy satellite technologies, in exchange for missiles. This could significantly heighten the threat posed by Kim's military nuclear program.
South Korean Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lim Soo-seok stated, "We are deeply concerned and regret that, despite repeated warnings from the international community, North Korea and Russia discussed military cooperation issues, including the development of satellites, during the summit."
Lim emphasized that any technology contributing to the development of nuclear weapons and missiles, including satellite systems and ballistic missile technology, goes against UN Security Council resolutions.
Lim also pointed out that Kim Jong-un's delegation to Russia includes individuals who are subject to UN Security Council sanctions. Marshal of the Korean People's Army Ri Pyeong-chol and ruling party official Jo Chun-yong, responsible for ammunition policy, were blacklisted for their involvement in North Korea's illicit weapons production activities.
Lim warned that if Moscow continues its military cooperation with Pyongyang, it must understand the "very negative impact" it will have on its relations with Seoul. South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yoon-ho cautioned that an arms exchange between North Korea and Moscow would trigger stronger responses from South Korea, the United States, and Japan, which are strengthening trilateral cooperation in regional security.
White House National Security Council Chairman John Kirby stated that sanctions would be applied if North Korea provides weapons to Russia, emphasizing that no nation should assist Putin in harming innocent Ukrainians.
Putin, in an interview on Russian state television after the summit, mentioned that Kim Jong-un is planning to visit several cities in the Russian Far East, including an aircraft factory and Russia's Pacific Fleet. However, he avoided discussing military cooperation, stating that Russia would abide by sanctions prohibiting the purchase of weapons from Pyongyang.
During the September 13 meeting, Kim Jong Un expressed support for Russia in its "fight against imperialism" and assured that North Korea has consistently backed Putin's government decisions. Analysts suggest that the choice of the Vostochny Cosmodrome as the meeting location indicates Kim's request for Russian assistance in developing military intelligence satellites.
Putin did acknowledge other areas of cooperation, such as transport, agriculture, and humanitarian aid while refraining from discussing military aspects of their partnership. He emphasized Russia's commitment to sanctions prohibiting arms trade with North Korea.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)