North Korea Claims US and Allies’ Criticism of Its Relations with Russia is ‘Distorted’ – Reuters

North Korea asserted on Saturday its determination to strengthen ties with Russia, condemning a recent statement from the United States and its allies concerning alleged arms shipments from North Korea to Russia as politically motivated and misleading.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui criticized the military collaboration between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, stating that North Korea’s partnership with Moscow will serve as a “powerful strategic” asset in the face of regional security threats.

Earlier, the United States, South Korea, and Japan firmly denounced the suspected transfer of arms and military resources from North Korea to Russia, claiming they had confirmed several instances of such deliveries.

Both Russia and North Korea have refuted the claims of any arms being sent to aid Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.

Choe questioned the characterization of the DPRK-Russia military cooperation as a threat to international peace and security, arguing that the U.S., South Korea, and Japan should clarify why their trilateral military alliance is not considered a threat to regional stability.

In response to North Korea’s escalating nuclear and missile threats, the United States, South Korea, and Japan have been enhancing their trilateral security collaboration.

North Korea and Russia had previously pledged to deepen military cooperation during a meeting between their leaders in September in Russia’s far east. Recently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss the implementation of agreements made at that summit.

Choe reaffirmed the DPRK’s commitment to extensively develop its bilateral relations with Russia, stating that their partnership aims to reach a “new higher phase” through the full execution of the agreements established. The initials DPRK stand for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea.