On July 12, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un received Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Pyongyang. According to KCNA news agency, Mr. Kim Jong-un expressed his "unconditional support and encouragement" for any measures taken by Russia to address the root cause of the Ukrainian crisis, in accordance with the mutual defense treaty between the two countries.
According to KCNA, the meeting focused on promoting the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and implementing the agreements reached at the Russia-North Korea Summit last June.
Also on July 12, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui in the city of Wonsan.
"We discussed the situation surrounding the Ukrainian crisis," Mr. Lavrov said at a press conference after the talks. "Our North Korean colleagues have confirmed their strong support for the entire target of the special military campaign, as well as the actions of the Russian leadership and armed forces."
Foreign Minister Lavrov also expressed his gratitude to the soldiers of the North Korean People's Army for "contributing to the successful liberation of Kursk province from Ukrainian forces.
At the press conference, Foreign Minister Lavrov also emphasized a number of key contents after the second Russia-North Korea Strategic Dialogue at the Foreign Minister level:
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un maintain regular contact through text exchange.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between the two countries stipulates the guiding principles in international cooperation, as well as a commitment to the alliance in responding to any hostile acts or attacks aimed at one of the two signatories. Russia and North Korea will promote the more active participation of border areas, especially the Russian Far East region, in this Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Russia and North Korea have almost similar stance at the United Nations and other multilateral forums, and proactively support each other's stance.
Regarding the nuclear program, Russia expressed respect for North Korea's actions and said it understood the reason for Pyongyang's continued maintenance of this program. Russia stressed that North Korea's strategic conclusions had been made even before the Israeli-US attacks on Iran.
In the inter-Korean issue, Russia will only act within the framework of orientations that North Korea considers acceptable. This is our ally and we will always accompany him, said Minister Lavrov.
Russia and North Korea also agreed to commemorate the North Korean soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the liberation of the Kursk region. A memorial will be built, and activities to honor comrades in World War II are also being planned.
