Moscow and Pyongyang have blamed Washington and its partners for ramping up "provocative military operations" near the Korean Peninsula. Both countries say the exercises have destabilised Northeast Asia and pose threats beyond the region, they stated on Monday.
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and visiting North Korean foreign minister Choe Son-hui made the remarks during their third strategic dialogue session. The two officials discussed bilateral matters and progress on agreements that President Vladimir Putin and leader Kim Jong-un struck in June 2024.
Lavrov and Choe Son-hui pledged to expand the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and North Korea to deepen ties. According to them, the alliance will boost regional and international stability and help create a fairer, multipolar world based on respect and equality.
At The Kremlin, Putin commended Russia-North Korea relations and expressed gratitude for Pyongyang's role in what Moscow calls its special military operation. The Russian leader said Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine have earned state honours for their battlefield achievements.
Putin noted that their sacrifices "will always be remembered in Russia," according to reports of the meeting. The comments underscore deepening military cooperation between the two nations amid international tensions.
