South Korea and U.S. Discuss North Korea-Russia Arms Trade, Emphasize Global Security Impact

Cho Tae Yong, the Chief of National Security, met with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and agreed that the ‘arms trade between North Korea and Russia’ is “threatening global security beyond the Korean Peninsula.” Both South Korea and the U.S. decided to cooperate closely on this issue.

The Presidential Office announced that Chief Cho met with Secretary Blinken at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the morning of the 9th. They reportedly exchanged views on international affairs, North Korean issues, and cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. The U.S. Department of State also stated in a press release that “the two ministers discussed North Korea’s provocative actions on the Korean Peninsula.”

Chief Cho and Secretary Blinken expressed hope for a swift restoration of peace in the Middle East amidst recent tensions. They shared the understanding that humanitarian aid from the international community is crucial for this. Chief Cho also reaffirmed the South Korean government’s commitment to contribute to rebuilding and restoring peace in Ukraine.

The U.S. Department of State reported that Secretary Blinken also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine and expressed gratitude for South Korea’s willingness to assist Ukraine at this meeting.

Both sides agreed to respond firmly to the blatant violation of UN Security Council resolutions regarding the arms trade between North Korea and Russia and to continue close cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. to ensure North Korea pays a clear price for any further provocation.

Furthermore, both sides agreed to continue close communication and coordination among the three countries to maintain the momentum of cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, based on the achievements of the Camp David Summit held in August this year. The U.S. Department of State explained that Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the U.S.’s firm commitment to South Korea’s defense.

Meanwhile, Secretary Blinken’s visit to South Korea is his first in two and a half years and the first since the inauguration of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. Invited by President Yoon Suk Yeol, Secretary Blinken, who visited South Korea as part of his tour of Asia, including India and the Middle East, had lunch at the presidential residence on the 9th. He also held a meeting with Foreign Minister Park Jin.

By. Choi Young Hoon