US-ROK Summit Likely to Take Place
Yoon Meets Ukrainian President Zelensky to Discuss Support
President Yoon Suk-yeol, attending the 75th anniversary summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is taking a commemorative photo with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Japan-Korea summit held on the 10th (local time) at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington DC, USA. [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the 10th (local time), heads of state from the 32 member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) held a summit meeting and announced the 'Washington Declaration,' consisting of 38 items, expressing serious concerns over the strengthening of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
Marking NATO's 75th anniversary, the leaders meeting in Washington D.C., USA, stated in a joint declaration, "We strongly condemn North Korea's export of shells and ballistic missiles, which violate multiple United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions," and added, "We are seriously concerned and attentive to the close relationship between North Korea and Russia." NATO member countries officially release a joint position document annually during their summit meetings.
The leaders condemned, "North Korea and Iran are fueling Russia's invasion of Ukraine through direct military support such as ammunition and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)," stating, "This has a serious impact on European and Atlantic security and weakens the international non-proliferation regime." They also defined China as a "decisive enabler" assisting Russia's war in Ukraine, pointing out that due to China's support, the threat Russia poses to its neighbors and European-Atlantic security has increased, and urged China to cease all material and political support for Russia's war efforts.
Kim Tae-hyo, the First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, said at a briefing held at the press center set up in Washington D.C. on the same day, "The NATO Washington Joint Declaration reaffirmed that the close ties between North Korea and Russia pose a serious threat to global security," and added, "In response to this common threat, our government will continue to strengthen cooperation with NATO member countries and Indo-Pacific partner countries that share core values."
Yoon and Kishida: "South Korea and Japan to Closely Cooperate with NATO Member States"
President Yoon Suk-yeol held a South Korea-Japan summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the same day, expressing deep concern over the strengthening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia and agreeing to closely cooperate on future responses. The two leaders welcomed the opportunity to meet again about a month and a half after their last summit held during the South Korea-Japan-China summit in May, emphasizing the significance of continuing their meetings by attending the NATO summit for three consecutive years as members of the Indo-Pacific Partners (IP4).
President Yoon emphasized, "The recent move by Russia and North Korea to accelerate military and economic ties by signing a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty' raises serious concerns not only for East Asia but also for global security," adding, "In the increasingly severe international security situation, our two countries attending the NATO summit for three consecutive years as members of IP4 carries very significant strategic implications."
He continued, "The recent closeness between North Korea and Russia shows how important the Camp David cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan is," and said, "I hope that South Korea and Japan will closely cooperate with NATO member countries and confirm through united responses with allies that the security of the North Atlantic and Northeast Asia can never be separated."
Prime Minister Kishida also stated, "The security of the U.S. Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable," and agreed that South Korea and Japan will closely cooperate and respond in solidarity with the international community regarding the North Korea-Russia military cooperation that violates Security Council resolutions. The two leaders also agreed to pay attention to gathering wisdom and starting preparations between their diplomatic authorities as they approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization next year.
Kim Tae-hyo, the First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, is briefing the Korean press corps at a press center set up in a hotel in Washington DC, USA, on the 10th (local time) regarding President Yoon Suk-yeol's schedule to attend the 75th NATO Summit. [Image source=Yonhap News]
South Korea-U.S. Summit in Progress: "Need to Meet Even Briefly"
Amid growing international concerns over the North Korea-Russia military and economic alliance, it is reported that the South Korea-U.S. summit is being pursued on the 11th (local time) on the sidelines of the NATO summit. Regarding the South Korea-U.S. summit, Deputy Director Kim said, "The White House and the Yongsan Presidential Office share the recognition that the two leaders need to meet and talk even briefly," adding, "The U.S., as the host country of the NATO meeting, is extremely busy, and South Korea is also holding dozens of events, making it very difficult, but we are doing our best to hold the summit."
On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend a social dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and the First Lady, where a meeting between President Yoon and President Zelensky is also planned. A senior official from the presidential office stated, "NATO member countries and allied nations, including the U.S., highly appreciate South Korea's support for Ukraine," and added, "We will provide support that is reasonable and consistent with the current methods and principles of assistance."
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