Lee emphasized “the increasing conflict between the country’s socialist and capitalist camps.”
He said that due to its geographical location, his country risks finding itself in the frontier of conflict between camps.
He pointed to an escalation spiral in the competition, where South Korea, the US and Japan deepen cooperation as North Korea, China and Russia work closer together, and South Korea, the US and Japan deepen cooperation, Tass reported.
“This is a very dangerous situation for South Korea, and we must find an exit ramp out of escalating military tensions. We must find a way to coexist peacefully,” the South Korean leader said.
At the same time, Lee said he shared the views of his predecessor, Yoon Sook-Yeol. He said North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia is a “significant threat to South Korea’s security.”
But he continues, the issues must be addressed through dialogue and coordination.
Moscow has repeatedly said that cooperation between Russia and North Korea is not intended for third countries. In June 2024, Russia and the Democratic Republic of South Korea (DPRK) signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, including provisions for military assistance in the event of an armed attack on either of the two parties, among other things.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that the strategic cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is not an unusual or extreme nature despite Western attempts to demonize it.
MA/PR