North Korean FM says Pyongyang shares common position with Russia on all strategic issues: Report
Seoul, May 31
North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui said her country shares "a common position" with Russia on all strategic issues at an event commemorating a late Russian ambassador, a Russian report has said.
Choe made the remarks the previous day at a ceremony unveiling a memorial plaque at the Russian Embassy dedicated to former Ambassador Alexander Matsegora, the Tass news agency said.
Matsegora, who had served as Russia's ambassador to North Korea for more than 10 years, died suddenly at the age of 70 last December while in the post, for reasons unknown.
"Today, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation share a common position on all strategic issues, which corresponds to the level of allied relations," Yonhap news agency reported quoting Tass.
"By consistently defending our core mutual interests, (Moscow and Pyongyang) are achieving success in the comprehensive expansion and development of bilateral relations and in improving the well-being of the peoples of the two countries," she also noted.
Choe also expressed her country's commitment to ensuring the comprehensive expansion and development of relations with Russia "on the basis of comradeship and trust forged in blood through the harsh trials of time," Tass reported.
She also indicated that North Korea plans to further deepen cooperation with Russia in accordance with agreements reached by the two countries' leadership.
North Korea's state media, Korean Central News Agency, also reported on Sunday that Jo Yong-won, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, and Foreign Minister Choe attended the unveiling ceremony held at the Russian Embassy the previous day.
Ambassador Matsegora was appointed as Russia's ambassador to North Korea in December 2014 and worked in Pyongyang for over 10 years before passing away at the age of 70 last December.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The "comradeship forged in blood" language is telling. This isn't just diplomatic talk—it's a revival of Cold War-era solidarity. India needs to be careful; we can't afford to be caught between rival blocs again. Our non-alignment roots should guide us.
I find it ironic that North Korea and Russia talk about "improving the well-being of the peoples" when both nations have significant economic challenges. Meanwhile, India focuses on actual development. Let's not get dragged into their geopolitical games. 🇮🇳
Interesting how this follows the Ukraine conflict. Russia is clearly seeking allies in Asia to counter Western isolation. For India, this means our Russia ties remain valuable, but we must balance them with our growing partnerships in the Quad. Diplomacy is a tightrope.
The mention of "allied relations" between Russia and North Korea is concerning for regional stability. As a neighbor in the Indo-Pacific, India should encourage dialogue rather than confrontation. We've seen what happens when isolated nations form exclusive alliances. 😟
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