South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon strongly condemned the escalating military cooperation between North Korea and Russia during their summit in Seoul on Wednesday.
This marks Luxon’s first visit to South Korea since he assumed office last November.
In a joint statement, Luxon and Yoon denounced the growing military ties between North Korea and Russia, including North Korea’s illegal export of ballistic missiles to Russia, which violates U.N. Security Council resolutions. They also condemned North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs and Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and efforts for a just and lasting peace.
The summit resulted in the decision to establish a regular bilateral economic security dialogue to address challenges and opportunities. Both leaders highlighted the importance of enhancing trade and economic relations, noting that two-way trade between South Korea and New Zealand has approximately doubled over the past decade.
The U.S. and its allies have accused North Korea of providing conventional arms to Russia in exchange for military and economic support, particularly concerning following a June pact between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which included mutual military assistance in case of an attack.
