South Korea’s foreign ministry on Thursday called on North Korea and Russia to respect U.N. Security Council resolutions amid growing concerns after Moscow expressed its intention to beef up ties with Pyongyang in “sensitive” areas.

On Wednesday, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Following the meeting, the Kremlin said Russia will further develop its relations with North Korea in all areas, including “sensitive” ones.

“Our government is keeping close eyes on the cooperation and exchange between Russia and North Korea,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk told a regular press briefing, when asked about the Kremlin’s statement and the possibility of Putin’s visit to the North.

“Russia and North Korea’s cooperation must move in the direction that contributes in bringing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula while abiding by the UNSC resolutions,” he added.

Choe’s trip came amid deepening military cooperation between the two countries,
with the North providing Russia with arms for use in its war against Ukraine in exchange for Russia’s technical assistance for Pyongyang’s weapons programs.

It marked Choe’s first solo trip abroad since she was appointed as the North’s foreign minister in 2022.

Source: Yonhap News Agency