Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un smile during their meeting at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport outside Pyongyang. file | Photo Credit: AP
north korea Desire stand with russia Until its “victory” in Ukraine, Pyongyang’s foreign minister said amid growing fears in Moscow that the reclusive country will enter Ukraine confrontation,
North Korean Foreign Minister Cho Son Hui made this statement after talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
She was in Moscow as the West claimed thousands of North Korean troops were in Russia and would likely be used in Ukraine.
Also read: America says North Korea’s troops are ready to fight Ukraine as missile tensions rise
“We reiterate that we will always stand firmly with our Russian comrades until Victory Day,” North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui said, according to a Russian translation.
He said, “We have no doubt that under the wise leadership of Honorable Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian army and people will surely achieve a major victory in their sacred struggle to defend the sovereign rights and security of their state.”
Russia’s Mr Lavrov praised the close ties between the armies and special services of the two countries. Moscow signed a mutual defense agreement with Pyongyang this summer.
“Very close relations have been established between the armies and special services of the two countries,” he said.
“It will also make it possible to address important security objectives for our citizens and for you.” He added that Moscow is “deeply grateful to our Korean friends for their principled stance on the events unfolding in Ukraine.”
Neither minister mentioned Western reports on North Korean military deployments. The pair had previously unveiled a commemorative plaque honoring North Korea’s Kim Il-sung’s visit to the USSR in 1949.
The US has said 8,000 North Korean soldiers are training in Russia and could be deployed to fight in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking to South Korean media on Thursday (October 31, 2024), condemned inaction by his allies over the North Korean military deployment.
Russia has sought to deepen its ties with North Korea since sending troops to Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual assistance agreement with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un when he visited Pyongyang this summer.
published – November 01, 2024 03:39 PM IST