Lavrov: Russia understands why North Korea pursues nuclear development
Lavrov met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in the eastern city of Wonsan on Saturday. He arrived in the city the day before.
At the start of the meeting, Lavrov expressed "sincere gratitude" to North Korean military personnel who joined the fighting against Ukraine.
The North deployed troops to the western Russian region of Kursk to fight Ukrainian forces that were staging cross-border incursions there.
Choe said Pyongyang will unconditionally support the Russian policy. Her remark referred to a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed by the two countries to mutually provide military assistance in case of contingency.
A Russian state-run news agency said Lavrov told reporters after the meeting that his country understands the reasons why North Korea is pursuing its nuclear program.
The report said Lavrov warned the United States, South Korea and Japan not to exploit their alliance as a tool to target North Korea and Russia.
The Russian top diplomat also told reporters that President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un constantly communicate with each other.
Lavrov added that arrangements are underway, and that a summit between the two leaders will certainly take place.
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