Wonsan: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his unconditional support for Russia's actions in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, as reported by North Korea's state media.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim reiterated his backing during a meeting with Lavrov on Saturday, following the Russian minister's arrival in North Korea for strategic discussions with his North Korean counterpart. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) detailed that the talks focused on implementing agreements from a prior summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, held in Pyongyang in June of the previous year, and exploring ways to enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Kim emphasized North Korea's readiness to support and encourage all measures by Russian leadership concerning the Ukrainian crisis, aligning with the two countries' mutual defense treaty. The KCNA highlighted that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Russia share identical views on strategic matters, illustrating the robust alliance between the two countries.
Lavrov commended the strategic diplomatic communication between North Korea and Russia, expressing his desire to intensify cooperation on international platforms. The discussions underscored both nations' commitment to safeguarding their core interests and advancing bilateral relations under their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty.
Further, Lavrov conveyed President Putin's warm greetings to Kim, who reciprocated the goodwill, expressing a desire for direct contact with Putin soon. Lavrov also acknowledged North Korea's role in aiding Russia's military efforts against Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region, as reported by Russia's Tass news agency.
Since the previous year, North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops to assist Russia, with plans to send additional military construction workers and sappers for reconstruction efforts in the Kursk region. Lavrov and Kim also addressed growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, attributing them to increased U.S. military activities while committing to political and diplomatic resolutions.
The KCNA carried a statement from strategic dialogues between North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and Lavrov, highlighting both nations' commitment to advancing long-term strategic ties by adhering to their mutual treaty. Russia voiced opposition to any attempts to undermine North Korea's status, affirming support for Pyongyang's national security efforts, while North Korea reiterated support for Russia's actions against Ukraine.
Lavrov's three-day visit to North Korea began on Friday, landing in Wonsan, where meetings with Kim and Choe occurred at the newly developed Kalma beach resort area.