Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavarov on Saturday gave a strong warning on the US -led security nexus in the eastern city of North Korea, Wansan. Lavarov asked the US, South Korea and Japan to avoid any military alliance against North Korea. His statement came after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, where he also gave best wishes from President Vladimir Putin.
Lavarov said in a conversation with reporters after a conversation with North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, “We warn that these relationships should not be used to form an alliance against any country, especially North Korea or Russia.”
This comment has come at a time when the US, Japan and South Korea have intensified their trilateral military exercises in response to North Korea’s nuclear program. On Friday, the three countries performed a joint air drill near the Korean peninsula, in which the US -capable bombers also participated in carrying nuclear weapons.
North Korea sees these military exercises as the preparation of the attack and that is why it has been describing its nuclear weapons as a means of self -defense. On this issue, Lavarov said, “North Korea’s nuclear program is the result of their scientists. We understand and respect the reasons behind their nuclear development.”
During the meeting, North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe reiterated that his country supports Russia’s Ukraine war unconditionally. Lavrov also thanked the North Korean soldiers for the cooperation that he gave to the Ukrainian infiltration in the Russian Curc border area.
Military and economic cooperation between North Korea and Russia has deepened over the years. North Korea provides weapons and ammunition to Russia, while Russia provides military technology and financial assistance instead. This has increased the concern of America, Japan and South Korea that Russia does not give North Korea such sensitive technology to make its atomic and missile programs even more dangerous.
This journey of Lavarov took place in the city of Wonsan, where North Korea has recently opened a grand sea resort, stating the facility of 20,000 people. Lavarov said at the beginning of the meeting, “I am confident that Russian tourists would like to come here. We will provide all possible facilities to bring them here, including air travel.”
Significantly, the Vonasan-Kalma tourist zone is part of the plan of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in which he wants to give life to the criminal economy of the country through tourism. However, it is not yet clear how long North Korea will open its boundaries completely, and will he welcome Western tourists.
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