Lima: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made an emphatic call for international solidarity against growing military ties between North Korea and Russia and urged the two countries to halt their "reckless" military adventure as he attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru on Friday. In a keynote speech, Yoon condemned "illegal" military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow as intelligence reports have confirmed that North Korean forces have been engaged in combat alongside Russian troops against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon stated, "The illegal military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is a grave challenge to the international order and undermines APEC's efforts for future cooperation." He urged North Korea and Russia to cease their military collaboration, calling for APEC leaders to issue a strong message for peace and stability in the region. Yoon's appeal comes at a time when Ukraine faces an urgent need to strength en its position in the ongoing war amid speculation that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump might advocate for a peace deal involving Ukrainian territorial concessions. North Korea and Russia have ratified a comprehensive strategic partnership, which includes a mutual defense provision requiring both countries to provide immediate military assistance if either is attacked. During the APEC summit, Yoon emphasized the importance of establishing a "free and stable" trade environment and pledged South Korea's leadership in fostering a resilient global supply chain ahead of hosting next year's gathering. He outlined plans to enhance APEC members' free trade agreement negotiation capabilities, enabling countries in the region to benefit from free trade. Yoon also proposed innovative solutions to tackle economic inequality, committing to leverage artificial intelligence and eco-friendly technologies to support inclusive growth across the region.