Kim Young-ho "North Korea and Russia, Stop Illegal and Reckless Acts That Bring Isolation Upon Themselves"

Minister of Unification Holds First Press Briefing with Reporters on the 14th
Expresses Concern over 'Arms Trade' at North Korea-Russia Summit
"The More They Cling to Nuclear Development, the More the Dilemma Deepens"

Kim Young-ho, Minister of Unification, expressed deep concern about the summit between North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, "We cannot help but be deeply worried about military cooperation and illegal arms transactions."

In his opening remarks at a press briefing held on the 14th at the Inter-Korean Relations Management Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Minister Kim assessed, "Considering the developments following the visit of the Russian Defense Minister to North Korea, Kim Jong-un’s inspection of military factories, the composition of the delegation accompanying this summit, and indications of Russia’s support for North Korea’s satellite development, it appears that some form of military deal is being continuously pursued." He added, "We once again urge Russia and North Korea to cease their illegal and reckless actions that bring about self-isolation and regression, and to comply with international norms, including United Nations Security Council resolutions."

Kim Young-ho, Minister of Unification, is speaking at a press briefing held on the 14th at the Inter-Korean Relations Management Team conference room in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Chairman Kim Jong-un and President Putin held a summit the previous day at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur Oblast, Russia, to discuss cooperation measures between the two countries. It is speculated that as a result of this meeting, Russia may transfer advanced technologies related to reconnaissance satellites and nuclear and missile capabilities to North Korea, while North Korea may provide conventional weapons such as artillery shells in return.

Notably, after the summit, Chairman Kim invited President Putin to visit North Korea. The Korean Central News Agency reported this news, stating that President Putin "readily accepted" the invitation. Currently engaged in the war in Ukraine, Putin has not traveled abroad since December last year. If the visit takes place within this year, it will be the first time in 23 years since 2000 that a Russian president visits North Korea.

Kim Young-ho, Minister of Unification, is speaking at a press briefing held on the 14th at the Inter-Korean Relations Management Team conference room in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Minister Kim stated, "North Korea spares no means or methods to enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities," and criticized, "It is raising funds globally by stealing virtual assets and exploiting its people, and is wasting the money collected in nuclear development rather than on the livelihood of its citizens."

He continued, "The more North Korea pursues nuclear development, the more it faces strong responses from South Korea, the United States, and Japan, deepening the 'security dilemma' where its own security becomes increasingly vulnerable," emphasizing again, "Nuclear development and the welfare of the people cannot coexist, and North Korea’s propaganda and agitation deceive its citizens."

Additionally, Minister Kim targeted the administration of former President Moon Jae-in, saying, "The previous government remained silent on North Korean human rights issues, focusing solely on improving inter-Korean relations," and stated, "While we are open to dialogue, exchange, and cooperation, we will not pursue short-term achievements or showy inter-Korean relations."

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