Russia Warns Washington and Its Allies Against Targeting Its Security and the Security of Pyongyang

Russia warned the United States and its allies against escalating threats to its security and the security of North Korea during a historic visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Pyongyang, where the two sides discussed enhancing strategic cooperation between the two countries.

This came during a press conference held by Lavrov on Saturday, July 12, after his talks with his North Korean counterpart, Choi Sung-hui, where he affirmed that Moscow is ready to help facilitate dialogue between the Koreas "only on issues that concern North Korea".

Lavrov pointed out that the North Korean leadership drew lessons from "American Israeli strikes on Iran", saying: "Because these conclusions were reached in a timely manner, no one is thinking of using force against North Korea, despite the ongoing military preparations involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan".

The Russian Foreign Minister warned against "misusing these relationships to turn them against anyone, including North Korea, and of course Russia".

Lavrov added that his country "understands and comprehends the reasons driving North Korea to develop its nuclear program", noting that the technology they use is "the product of their scientists' work". He continued: "We respect North Korea's actions and understand its motives for continuing its nuclear program".

On her part, the North Korean Foreign Minister expressed her country's full support for Russia in "protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity", as reported by the Russian news agency Sputnik. Choi Sung-hui said: "Our government's strategic choice is to defend Russia's policy in protecting its sovereignty and supporting it unconditionally".

She confirmed that Pyongyang supports Moscow in "confronting imperialist conspiracies", expressing her country's readiness to implement the terms of the "new international dialogue".

Lavrov arrived in the coastal North Korean city of Wonsan on Friday, in the latest visit by a high-ranking Russian official, amid enhanced strategic cooperation between the two countries, including agreements on joint defense.

In a related context, South Korean intelligence reports mentioned that Pyongyang may send additional forces to support Russia in its war in Ukraine, after previously sending thousands of soldiers. North Korea also agreed to send 6,000 military engineers to rebuild the Russian city of Kursk.

Lavrov is expected to head to China after his visit to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meetings.