The Kremlin stated this Thursday, October 31, that the strategic partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea, which includes mutual military assistance, should not raise concerns. The spokesman for the Russian Presidency, Dmitry Peskov, expressed commitment to the signed agreement and to the development of relations with the North Korean neighbor in different areas.
In response to questions about possible missile technology transfers to North Korea following the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile by this country, Peskov reiterated that the strengthening of ties between Moscow and Pyongyang is a sovereign right of both countries. The Russian official avoided directly commenting on the North Korean launch, referring inquiries to the Ministry of Defense.
For his part, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un indicated that the recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile demonstrates North Korea's "determination to counterattack." This military test, detected and condemned by Seoul and Tokyo, occurred shortly after a meeting in Washington between the defense ministers of the United States and South Korea.
South Korea described the North Korean launch as a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and proposed to strengthen international sanctions against Pyongyang to control the import of components that could be used in solid-fuel missiles. The previous launch of an ICBM by North Korea took place in December of last year.
During the meeting between the defense ministers of the U.S. and South Korea, the deployment of North Korean forces on Russian territory was condemned, accusing them of approaching the front in Ukraine with Russian uniforms and material. So far, Russia has not officially confirmed the presence of North Korean troops on its territory.
