North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has confirmed Pyongyang’s unconditional support for Moscow in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Kim made the remarks on Saturday during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the North Korean resort of Wonsan, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported today.
The meeting discussed a wide range of opinions between the leaders of the two countries on key issues for safeguarding common fundamental interests and advancing cooperation in various fields.
“Kim reaffirmed that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) is ready to unconditionally support all measures taken by the Russian leadership regarding a fundamental settlement of the Ukrainian situation, in accordance with the mutual defense agreement between North Korea and Russia,” KCNA said.
He also said the two countries share the same views on all strategic issues in a manner befitting the level of their alliance, noting that this demonstrates the high strategic level established between the two nations.
KCNA separately reported a statement from the previous day’s strategic dialogue between North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and Lavrov, where the two countries reaffirmed their “unwavering” commitment to strengthening long-term strategic ties through mutual agreement.
Russia expressed “firm opposition” to efforts that deny North Korea’s “current status” and pledged support for Pyongyang’s national security. In return, North Korea offered unconditional support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, KCNA said.
Lavrov arrived at Wonsan Airport on Friday, where a new coastal tourist zone was officially opened on July 1.
The Russian minister is scheduled to leave for China today to attend a meeting of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on July 15.
