North Korea responds to South Korean criticism of Russia cooperation

Neighbourly relations defended

North Korea has issued a sharp response to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's criticism of its cooperation with Russia following leader Kim Jong Un's recent visit to Moscow. Yoon had expressed concern at the UN General Assembly about the possibility of Russia assisting North Korea in enhancing its weapons programs in exchange for support in the Ukraine conflict, considering it a direct provocation.

In a statement reported by KCNA news agency, North Korea strongly denounced Yoon for what it called "maliciously" tarnishing its friendly ties with Russia and accused him of acting as a "loudspeaker" for the United States. North Korea argued that it is entirely normal for neighboring countries to maintain close relations, and such cooperation should not be subject to criticism.

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Kim Jong Un's Russia visit

Kim Jong Un recently returned from a week-long visit to Russia, during which he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed plans to enhance military and economic collaboration. This visit raised concerns among U.S. and South Korean officials who fear that Russia may seek to acquire ammunition from North Korea to support its efforts in Ukraine, while North Korea seeks technological assistance for its nuclear and missile programs.

Commitment to unrestricted foreign policy

North Korea's commentary reaffirmed its commitment to an unrestricted foreign policy and pledged to continue strengthening friendly and cooperative relations with its close neighbors. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as it's officially known, emphasized that its foreign policy decisions would not be constrained, even as international concerns persist regarding activities that could potentially support North Korea's weapons programs, which are prohibited under UN Security Council resolutions.

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