North Korea-Russia arms trade a global threat, says South Korea President Yoon

10/7/2024 11:14

        North Korea's arms trade with Russia is a threat to global peace, and strength and alliances among liberal democracies are critical in safeguarding freedom from "reckless elements", South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Tuesday.
        
        The president's office said in a statement, Yoon made the comments in Hawaii, where he discussed the importance of the combined defence posture of U.S. and South Korean forces with the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel Paparo.
        
        Yoon said in his remarks to U.S. military leaders and troops. "North Korea threatens peace not only on the Korean peninsula but also globally by engaging in illegal weapons trade with Russia."
        
        Yoon stopped in Hawaii on his way to Washington to attend a NATO summit, representing one of its four Asia-Pacific partners.
        
        Yoon said, concerns over North Korea's military buildup are deepening after it signed a pact with Russia last month that includes a mutual defence agreement.