Minister of Unification Meets US Ambassador to Condemn 'North Korea-Russia Arms Deal'

Kim Young-ho Meets Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador, for the First Time Since Inauguration
"North Korea Opportunistically Joins Russia's Aggressive War"

Kim Young-ho, Minister of Unification, met with Philip Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, to share concerns about arms transactions between North Korea and Russia, condemning the North Korean authorities for using scarce resources to develop weapons of mass destruction (WMD) while neglecting the human rights situation of their people.

On the 22nd, Minister Kim held his first meeting with Ambassador Goldberg since taking office at his office in the Government Seoul Complex. He targeted Russia, saying, "An unprecedented event has occurred where a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council has invaded a neighboring country, and North Korea is opportunistically riding on this aggressive war."

Kim Young-ho, Minister of Unification, in conversation with Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to Korea [Image source=Yonhap News]

He particularly emphasized, "North Korea is providing weapons support to Russia," and added, "At times like this, South Korea and the U.S. must make greater efforts to uphold international norms." He stated, "The Yoon Seok-yeol administration maintains the position of continuing humanitarian aid to North Korea regardless of political or military situations," and said, "The promotion of North Korean human rights is closely linked to humanitarian aid."

Regarding this, a government official explained, "Humanitarian aid is also a pillar of North Korean human rights, which is the logic pursued by the Ministry of Unification under Minister Kim Young-ho," adding, "It is also intended to persuade the opposition parties that are passive about improving North Korean human rights and focus on exchanges, cooperation, and humanitarian aid." The official said, "Minister Kim wants to resolve the issue that North Korean human rights should not be divided along party lines or political orientations."

Kim Young-ho, Minister of Unification, listening to Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea
Photo by Yonhap News

Ambassador Goldberg stated, "The U.S. shares the same concerns as South Korea regarding the recently agreed-upon aspects (such as arms transactions and military consultations) between North Korea and Russia," emphasizing, "All United Nations Security Council member states have the responsibility to enforce and implement existing sanctions." He also said, "The various human rights situations within North Korea are at an unacceptable level, and this is an area where South Korea and the U.S. must cooperate."

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