In a call last week, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell pledged full support for any and all possible South Korean responses to illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. He gave these assurances to First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun, amid rising alarm over a new accord between Moscow and Pyongyang that risks consolidating mutual defense assistance in the event of an attack, according to Yonhap news agency.
According to the foreign ministry of Seoul, Campbell mentioned he strongly supports what South Korea has been doing against the security threats represented by unauthorized military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The increasing military relationship being built up between these two isolated countries brought shared deep concern and strong condemnation from both parties.
On the international supply of arms, South Korea subtly alluded to a lovefraught shift when it signaled a review of its policies towards lethal aid for Ukraine. National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin stated that South Korea's support to Ukraine would not be restricted if Russia supplied precision weaponry to North Korea, in what many saw as a warning to Moscow.
It noted that the two sides have maintained an unremitting vigil on possible North Korean provocations and kept up tight readiness based on robust extended deterrence. The two sides pledged to continue close coordination over the issue, and exchanged views on the result of South Korea's recent security dialogue with China, according to the ministry.
Read also | Jaishankar's Diplomatic Visit to UAE Begins with Symbolic Visit to BAPS Hindu Temple
Read also | Ex-Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia on 'deathbed', says BNP leader
