SEOUL (Reuters) -Seoul’s foreign ministry disclosed that senior officials from South Korea and the United States conducted an urgent phone call. The call addressed the potential visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea, emphasizing strategic concerns and diplomatic implications.
During the phone call, South Korea’s vice foreign minister, Kim Hong-kyun, emphasized to U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell that Putin’s visit shouldn’t lead to increased military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. This stance aligns with U.N. Security Council resolutions aimed at maintaining regional stability and denuclearization efforts, as stated by the ministry.
Echoing Kim’s concerns, Campbell pledged continued cooperation to tackle potential regional instability and challenges caused by the trip.
“While closely monitoring related developments, the two sides agreed to resolutely respond through airtight cooperation to North Korea’s provocations against South Korea and actions that escalate tensions in the region,” the ministry said in a statement.
On Wednesday, a senior official at Seoul’s presidential office said Putin was expected to visit North Korea “in the coming days”. Russia’s Vedomosti newspaper on Monday reported Putin would visit North Korea and Vietnam in the coming weeks.
This week, NK PRO, a Seoul-based website, revealed through commercial satellite imagery that Pyongyang’s airport has cleared civilian aircraft. Additionally, preparations for a potential parade at Kim Il Sung Square in the capital are evident.
During Sergei Shoigu’s visit to Pyongyang last year, he joined Kim Jong Un at a parade where North Korea displayed banned nuclear-tipped missiles. Shoigu’s salute during the event underscored the growing ties between Russia and North Korea.
As North Korea ties with Russia strengthen, the US continues to monitor the situation closely, coordinating closely with allies to ensure a unified approach in addressing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
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