US "Deeply Concerned About North Korea-Russia Cooperation... Will Continue to Support Allies"

North Korea and Russia Sign Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement

The United States expressed great concern over North Korea and Russia's signing of a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement' and emphasized its continued commitment to supporting its allies and partner countries.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 19th (local time), the U.S. Department of State stated regarding the outcome of the North Korea-Russia summit, including the agreement, "The deepening cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a trend that anyone interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, supporting the global non-proliferation regime, complying with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, and defending the freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people against Russia's brutal aggression should be greatly concerned about."

On the same day, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit in Pyongyang and signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement. Kim declared it a "alliance relationship," while President Putin, without using the term "alliance," stated that they would "mutually support each other in case of aggression."

The State Department criticized, "We believe no country should provide President Putin with a platform that could facilitate the invasion of Ukraine," adding, "Russia is blatantly violating the UN Charter and attempting to undermine the international system."

Regarding North Korea, it pointed out, "North Korea's transfer of weapons and related materials, including ballistic missiles used by Russia in multiple strikes against Ukraine, and Russia's procurement of these, constitute a clear violation of binding UNSC resolutions."

The White House National Security Council (NSC) also emphasized, "We have long warned about the deepening cooperation between Russia and North Korea," and stated, "We will continue to support Ukraine and our allies in the Indo-Pacific."