Yoon: "The Essence of Russia-North Korea Military Cooperation Is Leaders' Collusion to Maintain Power... Will Not Stand By"

Interview during APEC visit to Peru
"North Korea's Kim Jong-un regime defined as an irrational group"

President Yoon Suk-yeol, attending the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, arrived at and is moving through the 2nd Air Force Base in Lima, Peru, on the 14th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News

During his Latin America tour, President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized on the 15th (local time) that "the essence of Russia-North Korea military cooperation is a collusion between leaders to maintain power," adding, "We will never tolerate the wrongful actions of Russia and North Korea that threaten our security."

Visiting Peru to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, President Yoon stated in a written interview with the Peruvian daily newspaper El Comercio that "we will respond by closely cooperating with allies and friendly countries such as the United States and NATO regarding Russia-North Korea military cooperation."

President Yoon described, "The only goal pursued by the Kim Jong-un regime is to maintain its dictatorship, and to this end, it seeks to consolidate the regime through external threats using nuclear weapons and missiles," calling it an "irrational group."

Regarding the message he plans to deliver at the APEC summit, President Yoon said, "Even amid global complex crises, APEC will lead cooperation to create a stable and free trade and investment environment," and added, "As a pivotal global country, we will present a vision that contributes to freedom, peace, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region."

He also stated, "As a digital powerhouse, Korea will contribute to inclusive growth in the region by utilizing innovation and new digital technologies," and "We will also emphasize cooperation among APEC members to respond to the climate crisis that humanity collectively faces."

Concerning next year’s APEC summit to be held in Gyeongju, South Korea, President Yoon expressed his aspirations as the host country. He said, "Over the next year, we will concretize our vision to achieve a more open, dynamic, sustainable, and peaceful Asia-Pacific region to successfully lead discussions."

After concluding the APEC summit schedule, President Yoon will carry out an official visit to Peru. He expressed expectations that "this will be an important opportunity to further upgrade mutually beneficial and future-oriented cooperation between the two countries in all areas including trade, investment, infrastructure, and human exchanges with Peru, the only 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' in Latin America."

Highlighting the importance of defense cooperation, President Yoon evaluated, "There has been progress this year, such as Korean companies being selected as strategic partners for local production of Peruvian Navy surface ships and acquisition projects of army ground equipment," adding, "Through this, we will be able to contribute more to strengthening Peru’s defense capabilities."