Joint statement by the US, the Republic of Korea and Japan on cooperation between the DPRK and Russia

Photo: TASS/Kristina Kormilitsyna/POOL

The text below is a joint statement on behalf of US Senior Representative to the DPRK Chung Pak, ROK Vice Foreign Minister for Strategy and Intelligence Cho Kuo-rae, and Japanese Vice Foreign Minister for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Namazu Hiroyuki following their June 24 phone call to discuss recent developments in DPRK-Russia relations.

Text of the declaration

The United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan condemn in the strongest possible terms the deepening military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including the continued arms transfers from the DPRK to Russia, which prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people, violate numerous UN Security Council resolutions and threaten stability in Northeast Asia and Europe. The progress in the partnership between the DPRK and Russia, which was highlighted by the signing of the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty' during Russian leader Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang on 19 June, should be of serious concern to anyone with an interest in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, in upholding the global non-proliferation regime and in supporting the Ukrainian people in defending their freedom and independence against Russia's brutal aggression. The United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan reaffirm their intention to further strengthen diplomatic and security cooperation to counter the threats posed by the DPRK to regional and global security and to prevent escalation. The United States' commitment to the defense of the ROK and Japan remains unwavering. The United States, the ROK, and Japan also reaffirm that the path to dialogue remains open and call on the DPRK to end further provocations and return to negotiations.

state.gov/gnews.cz-jav_07

https://www.state.gov/joint-statement-by-senior-officials-of-the-united-states-the-republic-of-korea-rok-and-japan-on-dprk-russia-cooperation