Pyongyang responded to the statements made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to South Korea. In a written statement released by the North Korean Foreign Ministry, it was reminded that Blinken expressed "concern" about the development of North Korea-Russia relations and mentioned "additional sanctions" against the two countries, arguing that the US administration has a "morbid disgust" for the development of relations between independent sovereign states.
Blinken's "irresponsible and provocative"
"The only way to address the US concern about the relations of North Korea, a sovereign state, with Russia is for the US to abandon its hostile policy and Cold War mentality towards the two countries and end political provocations," the statement said, adding that the statements escalated dangerous political and military tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the region instead of addressing US concerns.
"We will fight back together"
"Equal and mutual cooperation between the DPRK, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China and other independent sovereign states plays a crucial role in the defense of peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, but also in the world," the statement said. "No matter what others say, the relations between the DPRK and Russia based on independence, peace and friendship will gradually strengthen, and the independent and sovereign states will resolutely and coordinatedly counter any attempt by the United States and its subordinate forces to destabilize peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the DPRK," the statement said, claiming that the US contempt for the solidarity and unity of the international community is the main reason for the failure of its current "miserable" foreign policy. The statement emphasized that "the US should get used to the new reality of North Korea-Russia relations."
Blinken addressed the North Korea-Russia relationship
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited South Korea for political talks, said, "We see North Korea providing military equipment to Russia to continue its aggression in Ukraine, and we see Russia providing technology and support to North Korea for its military programs. And this is the main concern," he said. Stating that China has a "unique" relationship with North Korea, Blinken said, "We expect China to use this influence to play a constructive role in ridding North Korea of this irresponsible and dangerous behavior."
