North Korea says cooperation with Russia ‘natural’ for neighbors

Following leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia, North Korea on Monday criticized South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for criticizing its collaboration with Moscow, claiming that it is “natural” and “normal” for neighbors to have close ties.

Speaking last week at the U.N. General Assembly, Yoon declared that it would be “a direct provocation” if Russia assisted North Korea in expanding its arsenal in exchange for support for its conflict in Ukraine.

The North accused Yoon of “malignantly” disparaging its friendly collaboration with Russia in an article published by the KCNA news agency. It claimed Yoon acted as a “loudspeaker” for the United States.

It stated that maintaining strong ties between neighbors was “quite natural and normal” and that there was no justification.

Kim went home last week after a week-long visit to Russia, where he and Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to expand their military and economic cooperation.

In addition to seeking technological assistance for its nuclear and missile programs, Pyongyang may be attempting to purchase weaponry from the North to augment its decreasing supplies for the war in Ukraine, according to U.S. and South Korean officials.

Resolutions passed by the U.N. Security Council forbid any actions that support North Korea’s nuclear programs.

The editorial stated, “the DPRK’s foreign policy… will not be constrained by anything, and its friendly and cooperative relations with the close neighbors will continue to strengthen.” The North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is abbreviated as DPRK.