Lavrov lauds ties with DPRK as show of ‘invincible brotherhood'
This bond, he emphasised, has been demonstrably strengthened by the participation of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in the "liberation" of the Kursk region, an unprecedented level of military cooperation that underscores the deepening ties, reports Russian state media TASS.
During the visit, Lavrov signed a plan with his DPRK counterpart Choe Son Hui for exchanges between their diplomatic departments for 2026-2027 during a ceremony in Wonsan, as part of the second round of strategic talks at the foreign ministerial level.
The Russian FM also acknowledged Pyongyang's crucial contributions to Russia's ongoing military operations, thanking the North Korean military servicemen for their help in the 'successful liberation of the Kursk Region from Ukrainian Nazis and foreign mercenaries.'
He further indicated that the future trajectory of any military cooperation would be 'decided solely by Kim Jong-un,' with Russian President Vladmir Putin maintaining constant communication with him.
Beyond military matters, the sides also discussed on issues such as bilateral cooperation, with concrete plans to resume maritime transportation links between the two nations.
On the sensitive issues of nuclear posture and diplomacy, Russia issued a stern warning to the United States and its allies, cautioning against any actions that could imperil the security of either Moscow or Pyongyang.
Lavrov reiterated Moscow's understanding and respect for North Korea's reasons behind developing its nuclear program, a stance that sets it apart from many other global powers.
On the subject of the US, both Russia and North Korea thanked President Donald Trump for his interest in potentially resuming dialogue with Pyongyang, though no further comment was offered on this front.
Regarding inter-Korean dialogue, Russia affirmed its willingness to assist only on issues where North Korea expressed its interest in maintaining a respectful distance from internal Korean affairs.
In a reciprocal show of support, North Korea's Foreign Minister pledged "unconditional" backing for Russia's territorial integrity, firmly declaring that the relationship between their two nations has reached an "unbreakable" level.
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