“The US is worsening the situation in the Asia-Pacific region”
“Invitation to Moscow to North Korean Foreign Minister Choi Son-hee”
“Focus on revitalizing exchanges, including expanding trade volume between the two countries”
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who visited Pyongyang, mutually emphasized their resolve to counter the hegemonic aspirations of North Korea and the United States.
On the 19th (local time), the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs distributed an official press release, announcing that Minister Lavrov, who made an official visit to North Korea on the 18th and 19th to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and North Korea, met with North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. .
He explained that the meeting between Minister Lavrov and Foreign Minister Choi “emphasized the determination to counter the United States’ hegemonic aspirations that are worsening the situation in the Asia-Pacific region.”
In addition, “We exchanged meaningful opinions regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia,” he said. “Both sides have a common will to seek political and diplomatic solutions to regional issues and are ready to make joint efforts to alleviate regional tensions.” “We reconfirmed that it exists,” the announcement said.
At the same time, “Minister Lavrov invited Foreign Minister Choi to Moscow, the capital of Russia, at an appropriate time,” and “Following the meeting, the two sides signed a foreign ministry exchange plan for 2024-2025.”
He also claimed, “During the meeting with Foreign Minister Choi, the two sides discussed in detail topics related to the development of relations between the two countries, including the schedule of political contacts.”
He continued, “I asked questions related to the full implementation of the agreements reached at the meeting and conference between the leaders of Russia and North Korea on April 25, 2019 and September 13, 2023,” and added, “While overcoming the consequences of the (COVID-19) pandemic, the volume of trade between the two countries should be increased.” “We focused on the prospects for revitalizing exchanges in practical areas with an emphasis on expansion,” he said.
During this visit, Minister Lavrov told reporters that he supports regular discussions on security issues on the Korean Peninsula with North Korea and China.
He said, “Like North Korea, Russia is seriously concerned about the strengthening of military activities by the United States, Japan, and South Korea, and the U.S. policy of transferring strategic infrastructure, including nuclear weapons, to the Korean Peninsula.” He added, “This is an unacceptable rain that will increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula.” “I am against this constructive and dangerous line,” he said.
Specifically, “Russia is pursuing this route together with North Korea and China. “We are working to present constructive alternatives in a situation where tensions are rising,” he said, adding, “I am in favor of establishing a regular negotiation process on security issues on the Korean Peninsula without preconditions.”
He evaluated, “I can confidently say that the relationship between the two countries has reached a qualitatively new strategic level following the historic summit held between Chairman Kim and President Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia on the 13th of last month.”
Chairman Kim met with Minister Lavrov and said, “The friendly relationship between Russia and North Korea is becoming stronger.” He added, “After meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia last September, the true relationship of friendship between the two countries is becoming stronger.” He emphasized.
Minister Lavrov responded, “President Putin asked me to convey his best wishes and reaffirm that we are ready to implement everything that was agreed upon. Work in this regard has already begun.”
He noted that the 10th Trade and Economic Committee and Science and Technology Cooperation between governments will be held next month.
He continued, “As part of preparations, the co-chairs of the two countries held a special meeting in Moscow, the Russian capital, at the end of last month to discuss practical measures to advance toward the goals set by Chairman Kim and President Putin.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.