South Korea and New Zealand condemn North Korea-Russia military ties

On Wednesday, leaders from South Korea and New Zealand convened in Seoul to address the growing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia. This meeting marked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's inaugural visit to South Korea since assuming office in November 2022. During their discussions, both leaders expressed their strong disapproval of North Korea's export of ballistic missiles to Russia, which contravenes U.N. Security Council resolutions. They emphasized the seriousness of North Korea's ongoing nuclear and missile development programs. Additionally, the leaders condemned Russia's military actions in Ukraine, reaffirming their commitment to support Ukraine's sovereignty and its pursuit of a just peace. The joint statement released by Luxon's office highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing these security challenges. The summit also served as a platform for enhancing bilateral relations between South Korea and New Zealand. In a bid to strengthen economic ties, Yoon and Luxon agreed to initiate a regular bilateral economic security dialogue. This dialogue aims to explore both challenges and opportunities in their economic relationship. The leaders noted that trade between the two nations has significantly increased, with two-way trade volume nearly doubling over the past decade. The summit underscored the necessity for nations to unite against threats posed by North Korea and Russia, while also fostering stronger economic partnerships. The commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation reflects a proactive approach to regional security and economic stability.