- SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to
"unconditionally" support Russia over the war against Ukraine and
"responsibly" observe the articles of a mutual defence treaty signed
between Pyongyang and Moscow, the North's state media reported on Thursday.
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- Kim made the remarks during his meeting with Russia's
Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu the previous day in Pyongyang, reports
Yonhap, quoting the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
-
- Shoigu, Russia's top security official, arrived in North
Korea on Wednesday, amid deepening military cooperation between North Korea and
Russia, highlighted by the North's troop dispatch to Russia to support the war
against Ukraine.
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- During the meeting, Kim affirmed that North Korea will
"unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in
all the crucial international political issues, including the Ukrainian issue,"
according to the KCNA.
Related: Russia's security chief arrives in Pyongyang for meeting with Kim Jong-un — Report
- Kim also said his country will "responsibly observe
the articles of the treaty" between the two nations, it reported,
referring to the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed by him and
Russian President Vladimir Putin in June last year in Pyongyang.
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- During the talks, both sides "confirmed the
consensus" of the two nations' stance on the Ukraine situation and pledged
to develop the bilateral ties into the "powerful and comprehensive
relations of strategic partnership."
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- Kim and Shoigu discussed prospects for rebuilding the
Kursk front-line region and specific steps to "commemorate the memory of
North Korean soldiers' feat," Russia's news agency Tass reported
Wednesday, citing Russia's Security Council.
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- Seoul's unification ministry said the agenda items
probably included North Korea's dispatch of additional troops to Russia,
ceasefire negotiations underway for the Ukraine war and Kim's potential trip to
Russia.
