Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Pyongyang on Wednesday for a two-day visit at the invitation of North Korean leaders. After the chief diplomat’s arrival, his ministry released images of cheering crowds waving at Lavrov and holding bouquets of flowers. On his previous visits to the Stalinist regime he was not accorded such a reception – probably a sign to the West that the two states are moving closer together.
After talks with the leadership in Pyongyang, Lavrov lashed out against the West in his usual manner. He said, among other things, that the military policies of the US, Japan and South Korea were “dangerous”. “Like our North Korean friends, we are deeply concerned about the intensification of military activities by the United States, Japan and South Korea in the region and about Washington’s policies.” The United States would provide ‘strategic infrastructure, including nuclear elements’. the region, Lavrov said at a press conference without giving further details. “We reject this unconstructive and dangerous course,” he added.
Kim’s invitation to Putin
In addition to Lavrov, new Russian diplomats have landed for Moscow’s representation in the capital, as well as a construction crew to renovate an embassy building, Russian news agencies reported. Lavrov is also expected there to prepare for a trip by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang. The Kremlin had confirmed that Putin had been invited for a state visit to North Korea.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Russia in September. The two neighboring countries have recently significantly intensified their cooperation. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also recently visited North Korea. According to Moscow, this is Lavrov’s fourth visit to Pyongyang after 2004, 2009 and 2018.
Kremlin spokesperson on criticism: “No one should interfere”
North Korea has been internationally criticized for supplying weapons for Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The country gave Russia more than a thousand containers of military equipment and ammunition, the White House said last Friday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that the US had provided no evidence of this. However, he pointed out that Russia and North Korea had decided to expand cooperation in “all areas” – there was no need for anyone to interfere.
Source: Krone
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