South Korea Welcomes Quad Leaders’ Condemnation of North Korea-Russia Military Cooperation
Seoul, September 23, 2024 – The South KoreanMinistry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its welcome regarding the recent condemnation of North Korea’s provocations and concerns over North Korea-Russia military cooperation by the leaders of theQuadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) – the United States, Japan, India, and Australia.
In a joint statement, the QUAD leaders denounced North Korea’s ballistic missile launches and nuclear weapons development, expressing deep concern over military cooperation that undermines the global non-proliferation regime. The South Korean Foreign Ministry official stated on September 23rd that the weapons trade and other military cooperation between North Korea and Russiaare blatant violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions, posing a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and globally. South Korea urged an immediate halt to these actions.
The official emphasized that the South Korean government will maintain close cooperation withits allied nations and continue to monitor relevant developments. They will resolutely respond to any illegal military cooperation that threatens South Korea’s security.
The official also expressed appreciation for the QUAD leaders’ reaffirmation of their commitment to achieving complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The South Korean government continues to emphasize that thecomplete denuclearization of North Korea is a necessary condition for achieving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, in the region, and worldwide. They remain committed to pursuing North Korea’s denuclearization within a framework of deterrence, prevention, dialogue, and diplomacy.
This statement comes amidst growing concerns over the deepening militaryties between North Korea and Russia. Reports suggest that North Korea has been supplying Russia with artillery shells for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while Russia has been providing North Korea with advanced weapons technology and financial support.
The QUAD’s condemnation of these activities is a significant development, highlighting the international community’sgrowing concern over North Korea’s actions. The QUAD’s focus on deterring North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region is a crucial step in addressing the complex security challenges posed by North Korea’s nuclear program and its increasingly close relationship with Russia.
South Korea’sstrong stance against North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia and its commitment to achieving complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula demonstrate its determination to maintain peace and stability in the region. The QUAD’s condemnation of North Korea’s actions and its commitment to working with South Korea to address these challenges are crucial steps inensuring a peaceful and secure future for the Korean Peninsula and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
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