SEOUL – South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul stated on Saturday (March 22) that military cooperation between North Korea and Russia must come to an end. He emphasized that North Korea should not be rewarded for its actions, particularly in relation to efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Cho underscored the importance of enforcing United Nations sanctions against North Korea, urging South Korea, Japan, and China to uphold these measures. He stressed the need for collective efforts to deter North Korean provocations and work toward the country’s complete denuclearization.

The South Korean foreign minister made these remarks during a meeting with his counterparts from China and Japan in Tokyo. This gathering marks the first trilateral talks between the three nations since 2023. As concerns grow over North Korea's deepening ties with Russia, particularly in military affairs, South Korea has been vocal about preventing any collaboration that could undermine regional stability. The alliance between North Korea and Russia has raised international alarm, with speculation that North Korea might be providing military assistance to Russia in exchange for technological or economic support.

Amid these geopolitical tensions, Cho called for a unified response from neighboring countries to curb North Korea’s aggressive actions and uphold global security. The trilateral discussions in Tokyo serve as a platform for South Korea, Japan, and China to reinforce diplomatic cooperation in addressing regional security challenges, particularly concerning North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and military alliances.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.