South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev on Friday to protest a new strategic treaty signed between Russia and North Korea. The summons followed the signing of the agreement, which includes a mutual defense clause, by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang earlier in the week.
First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun delivered the South Korean government’s formal objection to the ambassador. According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, Kim stressed that the military cooperation outlined in the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” treaty harms South Korea’s security and violates United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The ministry’s statement said Kim warned that the agreement would have “negative consequences” for South Korea’s relationship with Russia.
The pact was signed during President Putin’s state visit to Pyongyang on Wednesday. Article 4 of the treaty, as published by the North Korean Central News Agency, states that if either country is attacked, the other will provide “military and other assistance with all means in its possession without delay.” This provision restores a mutual defense commitment that had been part of a 1961 treaty between the Soviet Union and North Korea but was discontinued after the Soviet Union’s dissolution.
In response to the treaty, South Korea’s presidential office announced on Thursday that it would reconsider its long-standing policy of not supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine. For the duration of the conflict in Ukraine, Seoul has provided only non-lethal and humanitarian aid.
Following the meeting at the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Zinoviev communicated Russia’s position. According to reports from Russian state media, he stated that attempts to “threaten and blackmail” Russia were “unacceptable.” He further remarked that Russia’s cooperation with North Korea is not directed against third countries and is aimed at strengthening stability on the Korean Peninsula.
The signing of the treaty has drawn reactions from other international bodies. A spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General noted concern over the developments. The United States and Japan have also issued statements expressing criticism of the deepened military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
