Seoul: EU Condemns North Korea-Russia Military Cooperation, Stance Unchanged

South Korea and the European Union (EU) have adopted a joint statement condemning military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. EU Council President and European Commission President included the phrase "strongly condemn the illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea" in a joint statement adopted after the summit in Brussels on the 10th. The statement also stated that North Korea will never be recognized as a nuclear-weapon state under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

A Blue House official stated on the 13th (local time) that the content criticizing North Korea-Russia military cooperation in the recently adopted joint statement by South Korea and the EU does not represent a shift from the South Korean government's previous stance. The official added, "While the EU holds somewhat stronger opinions, what is reflected in the statement is the position we have maintained until now." Responding to a question about whether denuclearization and peace settlement are conflicting goals, the official emphasized that "Denuclearization and peace settlement are simultaneous objectives" and that the current statement will not impose new burdens on relations with Russia or North Korea.

Meanwhile, regarding the possibility of a South Korea-US summit during an upcoming visit to France for the G7 summit, the official deflected a direct answer, stating, "Dialogue could take place if the opportunity arises, but it is difficult to comment on the likelihood of it happening at this time."