Russia warns the US, South Korea, and Japan not to create a security alliance aimed at North Korea

 SEOUL, JULY 13 — Russia’s foreign minister has warned the U.S., South Korea, and Japan not to form a security alliance aimed at North Korea. He made these remarks during a visit to North Korea, where he met with the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, to discuss strengthening their military and other cooperation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke on Saturday in Wonsan, a city on North Korea’s east coast. He brought greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin. During their meeting, Kim Jong Un confirmed his government’s full support for Russia’s actions in the conflict with Ukraine.

According to North Korea’s official news agency, Kim said that Pyongyang and Moscow share the same views on major strategic issues, reflecting the strength of their alliance. Lavrov called for even closer cooperation between the two countries in military and international matters.

Relations between Russia and North Korea have grown stronger in recent years. North Korea has reportedly sent troops and ammunition to help Russia in its war against Ukraine, while Russia provides military and economic support in return. This partnership worries South Korea, the U.S., and others, who fear Russia might share sensitive technology with North Korea that could boost its nuclear and missile programs.

After meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, Lavrov accused the U.S., South Korea, and Japan of increasing military activity near North Korea. He warned them against using their relationships to form alliances targeting either North Korea or Russia.

In response to North Korea’s growing nuclear weapons program, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan have increased joint military exercises. For example, they recently conducted a large air drill involving U.S. bombers near the Korean Peninsula. Their top military leaders met in Seoul, urging North Korea to stop its illegal activities that threaten regional security.

North Korea sees these military drills as rehearsals for invasion and argues it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself from U.S. threats. Lavrov expressed understanding of North Korea’s decision to develop nuclear weapons, saying their technology is homegrown and that Russia respects their goals.

During the visit, Choe Son Hui reaffirmed North Korea’s full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, and Lavrov thanked North Korea for sending troops to help repel a Ukrainian attack near the Russia-Ukraine border.

North Korea recently opened a large beach resort in Wonsan, the city where Lavrov met officials. The resort can reportedly host nearly 20,000 people and is part of Kim Jong Un’s plan to boost tourism and improve the economy. Lavrov said Russian tourists would be encouraged to visit, with Russia ready to help improve travel connections.

However, the future of the tourist complex is uncertain because North Korea is unlikely to fully reopen its borders or welcome Western tourists anytime soon.

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