Seoul: North Korea has once again opted out of attending a major regional security forum hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the second year in a row, as the country shifts its focus toward strengthening bilateral relations with Russia and China. According to Yonhap News Agency, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) has been a significant platform as the only multilateral security gathering where both Koreas participate alongside major global powers, including the United States, China, Japan, and Russia. Despite its historical participation since joining in 2000, North Korea was absent from last year's forum and has continued its non-participation this year. Previously, North Korea was represented by either its foreign minister or ambassadors stationed in Southeast Asia. Analysts suggest this absence indicates Pyongyang's growing inclination toward engaging with Russia and China on a bilateral basis rather than through multilateral forums. A source noted that North Korea perceives le sser strategic value in forums like ARF, which previously served as rare opportunities for interaction with the United States and its allies. Instead, it appears North Korea is now securing its economic and strategic interests through its strengthening relationships with China and Russia. The absence of Washington's focus on the ARF due to its involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts and other international issues may also have contributed to North Korea's decision to skip the forum. Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened their ties following the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2024. North Korea has reportedly supported Russia in its conflict with Ukraine by providing troops and conventional weapons. Recently, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui visited Moscow, meeting with President Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss further bilateral cooperation. Additionally, North Korea has increased high-level exchanges with Beijing, commemorating the 65th anniversary of their friendship treaty. At the ARF, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urged North Korea to engage in dialogue with Seoul and contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Many participants expressed concerns over North Korea's ongoing development of nuclear weapons and missiles, emphasizing the importance of denuclearization and compliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions. The ARF, launched in 1994, is the largest security forum in the Asia-Pacific region, involving 11 ASEAN member states and 16 partners to address regional security challenges and foster confidence-building measures. During his visit to Manila for ASEAN-related meetings, Cho engaged in trilateral discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, as well as bilateral talks with Rubio and Motegi, focusing on North Korean issues, regional security, and broader cooperation. While C ho did not have a separate meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both Seoul and Beijing are coordinating the timing of Wang's potential visit to Seoul, possibly occurring next month. There was also no engagement between Cho and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, despite their proximity during the ARF meeting. /CT#