Lavrov hails ‘fraternal ties’ with N-Korea

(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has highlighted North Korea as one of Moscow’s most dependable allies in Asia, emphasizing decades of strong military and fraternal ties and praising Pyongyang’s support amid the Ukraine conflict.

Speaking at the Territory of Meanings youth forum on Monday, Lavrov referred to the DPRK as a central partner in the developing multipolar world order. He stated that Russia shares this vision with numerous like-minded countries and allies committed to sovereignty and civilizational continuity.

“In the West, our closest ally is Belarus. In the East, it’s North Korea, with whom we share a long history of military and fraternal cooperation,” Lavrov said. He also referenced mutual support, noting North Korea’s assistance in liberating Russia’s Kursk Region from what he described as “Ukrainian neo-Nazis.”

Lavrov grouped North Korea with other influential Eurasian powers such as China, India, Turkey, and Iran, calling them major forces in shaping a multipolar world. He insisted this global shift cannot be halted by sanctions, economic pressure, or the provocation of conflicts.

The Russian diplomat also criticized the US and its allies for heightening tensions in Northeast Asia, particularly through military exercises near the Korean Peninsula that increasingly feature nuclear elements. Lavrov argued that these actions escalate regional risks.

He condemned NATO’s growing footprint in the Asia-Pacific and dismissed the US-led “Indo-Pacific” strategy as an attempt to contain China and isolate Russia, claiming it promotes militarization and disrupts regional unity.

In June 2024, Russia and North Korea signed a defense agreement. Later that year, Pyongyang sent troops to assist in pushing Ukrainian forces from Russia’s Kursk Region. Russia has since confirmed the planned deployment of thousands of North Korean personnel—including engineers and deminers—for reconstruction efforts in the area.

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