Korea-Russia Foreign Ministers Meeting Discusses North Korea Nuclear Issue and International Affairs

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The meeting between the foreign ministers of Korea and Russia in Seoul is expected to involve an exchange of views on North Korea's denuclearization as well as the United States' pressure policies on China and Russia.

According to diplomatic circles on the 24th, Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (photo), who visited Korea the previous day, will attend the opening ceremony of the 'Year of Korea-Russia Mutual Exchange' on this day and is scheduled to hold talks with Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong the following day.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This is the first time in eight years since Minister Lavrov visited Korea in November 2013 accompanying President Vladimir Putin.

Given that the United States is openly pressuring China and Russia through the Quad and the European Union (EU), Minister Lavrov, who was sent on a special mission by Putin, visiting Korea draws attention to what choice Korea will make in the future between the 'US-Japan VS China-Russia' camps.

US President Joe Biden has defined Russia as 'the greatest threat to the United States' and has also warned of sanctions against Russia related to human rights issues within Russia, interference in the US presidential election, and hacking allegations.

In this context, the Korea-Russia foreign ministers' meeting scheduled for the morning of the 25th is expected to discuss not only bilateral relations but also the Korean Peninsula issue and international affairs.

Minister Chung is reported to seek Russia's consent and cooperation to restart the Korean Peninsula peace process. Minister Lavrov is likely to express concerns about Korea's deep involvement in the US Indo-Pacific strategy, the Quad, and efforts to contain Russia.

Regarding this, Minister Lavrov criticized in a video interview with the Korean correspondents stationed in Moscow on the 19th (local time) about the main agenda of his visit, saying, "Actions taken within the framework of the Indo-Pacific strategy are based on bloc thinking and are trying to create a bloc to oppose certain countries," and "The declared goal is to contain specific countries."

Since the United States is targeting Russia along with China, this visit seems intended to prevent Korea from deeply participating in the US policies to contain China and Russia.

A Foreign Ministry official said, "After the meeting on the morning of the 25th, the two ministers plan to explain the discussion contents through a joint press release," and "Consultations will be held including evaluations of North Korea issues and the situation on the Korean Peninsula, as well as bilateral matters."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.