North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has affirmed his commitment to fulfilling the agreements reached during his recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This resolution was conveyed during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, as reported by state media KCNA.
Kim's visit to Russia last month was a noteworthy event during which he extended an invitation to President Putin to visit Pyongyang. Discussions during this summit encompassed topics such as military cooperation, including North Korea's satellite program, as well as the situation in Ukraine.
The meeting between Kim and Lavrov focused on enhancing cooperation to address regional and global matters through a foundation of "solid political and strategic trust relations." Lavrov also conveyed President Putin's greetings to Kim.
Kim emphasized his dedication to "crafting a stable, forward-looking, and far-reaching plan for DPRK-Russia relations in the new era." This commitment is rooted in faithfully implementing the agreements previously reached and advancing the cause of strengthening the nation.
A plan for exchanges in 2024-25 was signed by North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and Lavrov during separate talks. These discussions aimed to follow up on the summit's outcomes and explore further cooperation across economic, cultural, and advanced science and technology domains.
In addition to these developments, the two diplomats engaged in discussions about elevating bilateral relations to a higher level. They also delved into various regional and international issues, including the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the Northeast Asian region, ultimately reaching a consensus on these matters.
Following these meetings, Lavrov left Pyongyang.
Lavrov, upon arriving in Pyongyang, expressed gratitude for North Korea's unwavering and principled support during the Ukraine conflict. In return, he vowed Russia's complete support and solidarity with North Korea, as confirmed by Moscow's foreign ministry.
These diplomatic interactions between Russia and North Korea have raised concerns from Seoul and Washington, particularly in light of the growing exchanges between Moscow and Pyongyang. In response to evolving military threats from North Korea, which include deploying an aircraft carrier and other strategic assets, the United States has intensified military exercises with Japan.
KCNA issued a separate commentary criticizing the U.S. deployment of strategic assets, such as a B-52 bomber and F-22 Raptor stealth fighter, along with joint exercises. The commentary asserted that these assets would be targeted for destruction if any signs of an attack on North Korea were detected. It labeled the U.S. actions as an intentional nuclear war and provocative move. The commentary concluded by suggesting that North Korea had enacted the policy of nuclear force and would respond accordingly to perceived provocations.
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