- South Korea and New Zealand strongly condemn North Korea-Russia military ties.
- Leaders denounce North Korea’s missile exports to Russia and illegal nuclear programs.
- New Zealand and South Korea plan to enhance bilateral economic security dialogue.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have voiced strong opposition to the expanding military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
During a summit in Seoul, the two leaders criticized North Korea’s export of ballistic missiles to Russia, which violates UN Security Council resolutions.
South Korea, New Zealand Strengthen Ties Amid Regional Security Concern
In addition to addressing North Korea’s actions, Yoon and Luxon strongly condemned Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and efforts toward achieving a lasting peace. The summit also served as an opportunity for South Korea and New Zealand to strengthen bilateral ties, with both leaders agreeing to establish a regular economic security dialogue to tackle shared challenges.
Beyond military issues, the two leaders addressed the broader geopolitical landscape, focusing on Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Both nations reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and expressed a shared commitment to promoting peace in the region. The leaders pledged to continue their efforts to aid Ukraine in securing a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
The summit also highlighted the growing economic partnership between South Korea and New Zealand. Yoon and Luxon agreed to launch a regular bilateral economic security dialogue, aimed at enhancing cooperation on issues such as supply chain resilience, emerging technologies, and economic challenges. This dialogue reflects the two countries’ recognition of the importance of economic security in a rapidly changing world.
Luxon’s visit to South Korea, his first since becoming prime minister in November 2023, symbolizes the strengthening ties between the two countries. Both leaders emphasized the importance of working together on shared security and economic concerns in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on fostering stability and prosperity.
South Korea and New Zealand’s unified stance against North Korea-Russia ties underscores the growing need for international collaboration in addressing regional security challenges. By committing to economic and security cooperation, both nations are reinforcing their partnership in the face of evolving global threats.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the illegal nuclear and missile programs of North Korea, as well as the expanding military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.”
