Putin Hints at North Korea-Russia Joint Military Exercises... Government "Closely Monitoring Developments"

Putin on Joint Exercises with North Korea: "Why Not?"
Mentioning Article 4 of the Treaty Suggesting 'Revival of Military Alliance'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has left open the possibility of joint military exercises with North Korea, prompting the government to say it will closely monitor the situation and warn Russia to fulfill its responsibilities as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Kim In-ae, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Unification, is holding a regular briefing at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News

Kim In-ae, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, stated at a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office on the 8th, "We will not jump to conclusions and will closely monitor related developments together with the international community." She added, "The government has repeatedly expressed serious concerns about the strengthening of military and economic cooperation between Russia and North Korea," emphasizing, "We will take phased measures, and Russia must fulfill its responsibilities and role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council."

Earlier, on the 7th (local time), President Putin said at the Valdai Discussion Club plenary session held in Sochi, southern Russia, regarding joint military exercises with North Korea, "We might conduct exercises," adding, "Why not?" He also referred to the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between Russia and North Korea in June, recalling, "Article 4 of the treaty states that if one party is attacked, the other will provide mutual support."

Meanwhile, North Korea has not issued an official response to the news of Donald Trump's re-election as president. Although North Korea has not immediately commented on U.S. presidential election results in the past, attention is focused on the fact that the opponent is Trump, who has flaunted his friendship with Chairman Kim Jong-un.

Deputy spokesperson Kim In-ae said, "As far as we know, North Korea has never announced election results immediately after they were confirmed in the past," adding, "At this point, it is difficult to make a judgment, and we will monitor related developments."