Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Discussion of North Korea and Russia Issues at Korea-China Diplomatic Security Dialogue"

Putin Arrives in Pyongyang Today... First Visit in 24 Years
South Korea and China Hold 'Diplomatic Security Dialogue' in Seoul
Government: "Monitoring Military Cooperation and Taking Necessary Measures"

On the 18th, when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang for the first time in 24 years, a Korea-China diplomatic and security dialogue was held in Seoul. The South Korean government plans to exchange mutual opinions on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and also discuss North Korea-Russia cooperation at this meeting.

At a regular briefing that afternoon, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lim said in response to a question about "the evaluation of Putin's visit to North Korea," "Our government's firm position is that cooperation between Russia and North Korea must not violate United Nations Security Council resolutions or undermine peace and security in the region. We have clearly conveyed this position to the Russian side." He added, "We will not directly comment on whether the two sides will establish relations."

Lim Soo-seok, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is holding a regular briefing at the Government Seoul Office Annex in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 18th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In Seoul, from that afternoon, a Korea-China diplomatic and defense high-level dialogue involving senior officials from both countries was underway. This is a continuation of high-level exchanges following the Korea-China-Japan summit, and it is notable that the level was elevated to a vice ministerial meeting for the first time in nine years.

Spokesperson Lim said, "The two sides plan to exchange opinions on bilateral relations, regional and international situations, and issues of mutual interest such as the Korean Peninsula." He added, "Since this dialogue is held around the same time as President Putin's visit to North Korea, discussions on North Korea-Russia cooperation are also expected."

After arriving in Pyongyang that evening, President Putin is expected to hold a summit with Chairman Kim Jong-un on the 19th. The Kremlin indicated that the documents to be adopted by the two leaders at this meeting may include an agreement defining a 'comprehensive strategic partnership.' This is a level above the strategic cooperative partnership established between South Korea and Russia, but one step below the highest level of diplomatic relations, which is an alliance.

There are various interpretations regarding the Korea-China diplomatic and security dialogue taking place concurrently with Putin's visit to North Korea. A Foreign Ministry official told reporters that afternoon, "The Korea-China diplomatic and security dialogue was scheduled a long time ago through consensus and several major consultations between President Yoon Suk-yeol and Chinese Premier Li Qiang." This means the schedule for senior Korea-China diplomatic and defense officials to meet was not set with Putin's visit in mind.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un met at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur Oblast, Russia, in September 2023.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Concerns have also been raised about the redefinition of relations between North Korea and Russia amid increasing levels of military cooperation. However, the government views such 'naming' as a diplomatic rhetorical matter. Russia uses various adjectives in its relationships with different countries. For example, with China, it is a 'comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership of the new era,' and with India, a 'special and privileged strategic partnership.'

Accordingly, the government reportedly does not attach great significance to the redefinition of North Korea-Russia relations with a new title. When simply comparing trade volumes between Russia-North Korea and Russia-South Korea, the difference is substantial. Last year, North Korea-Russia trade amounted to only $28 million, whereas South Korea-Russia trade reached $15 billion. The difference in scale alone is about 530 times.

A Foreign Ministry official said regarding the elevation of North Korea-Russia relations to a 'comprehensive strategic partnership,' "We will take necessary measures after reviewing the results of the summit." He explained, "In a situation where the UN Security Council is not functioning properly regarding military cooperation between the two sides, South Korea, the United States, and several allied countries are strengthening sanctions against North Korea and Russia. Considering this trend, we can also look at the measures and plans that allies can take in the future." He emphasized, "Given the international status of the countries with which Russia has established relations, there is no need to be constrained by the expressions used in defining relations with North Korea. Separately, we will monitor the situation regarding military cooperation and respond with necessary measures."