Ministry of Unification: "There Are Areas to Cooperate with Russia to Resolve North Korean Nuclear Issue"

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Reporter Yang Nak-gyu, Reporter Yoo In-ho] The Ministry of Unification evaluated that although Russia is under international sanctions due to its invasion of Ukraine, there are areas for cooperation to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.

An official from the Ministry of Unification said on the 3rd, "We are cooperating on areas where South Korea and Russia need to collaborate for the advancement of the Korean Peninsula peace process and the complete resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, and we must continue to do so."

Referring to the phone consultation between the South Korean and Russian chief representatives on the North Korean nuclear issue held the previous day, the official added, "There is a recognition that Russia has a role and importance in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and advancing inter-Korean matters."

The official emphasized that the government's basic stance on the Ukraine war is that it is an "unjustifiable act violating international law," and since the North Korean nuclear issue and sanctions against Russia are complex matters, efforts are being made to respond comprehensively.

Regarding North Korea's vote against the UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia and blaming the United States for the war, the official said, "We do not agree with North Korea's position, and our stance is different."

Meanwhile, North Korea, which has been shouting at the United States not to infringe on the "dignity and sovereignty of sovereign states," is sending unilateral support to Russia, which actually invaded Ukraine. Since Russia is a traditional ally of North Korea and both countries are confronting the United States, this is interpreted as an intention to solidify an anti-American joint front.

On the 2nd (local time), North Korea was one of the five countries that voted against the resolution at the United Nations headquarters in New York, which condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and demanded withdrawal, passed with overwhelming support from 141 countries. Even China, which is at odds with the United States, abstained in a "cautious vote," openly supporting and justifying Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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