Australia Condemns Russia-North Korea Security Pact

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned a security pact between Russia and North Korea, describing it as destabilizing the region. She accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia, violating U.N. Security Council resolutions. The pact promises immediate military assistance between the two nations if faced with armed aggression.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong raised concerns over a security pact between Russia and North Korea on Tuesday, stating it destabilizes the region. Wong accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia, in 'flagrant violation' of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Her remarks were made during a visit to Paju near the Demilitarized Zone separating the Koreas.

'We see Russia behaving in ways which are not conducive to peace but are escalatory,' Wong said, highlighting the June agreement between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The pact includes provisions for immediate military assistance if either country faces armed aggression.

Washington and its allies are alarmed by the increasing military cooperation between the two nations, alleging they have breached international laws trading in weapons for Russia's conflict in Ukraine. Both countries deny any arms transactions. Wong emphasized the continued weapons transfer from North Korea to Russia as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and is set to discuss this with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul.

(With inputs from agencies.)