Penny Wong Condemns Russia-North Korea Security Pact for Destabilizing Region

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized a security pact between Russia and North Korea, saying it destabilizes the region. Wong highlighted that North Korea's provision of weapons to Russia violates U.N. Security Council resolutions. The pact also promises mutual military aid in case of aggression. Concerns are growing among Western allies.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned a newly-signed security pact between Russia and North Korea on Tuesday, asserting that it destabilizes the region. Wong emphasized that North Korea's provision of weapons to Russia is in 'flagrant violation' of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Speaking to reporters in Paju after visiting the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas, Wong described Russia's behavior as escalatory rather than peace-promoting.

The pact, signed in June by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, pledges immediate military assistance to each other in the event of armed aggression. This deepening military cooperation has alarmed Washington and its allies, who accuse both nations of violating international laws by trading arms for use against Ukraine. Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied such transactions.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul echoed Wong's concerns about the Russia-North Korea military cooperation. The two ministers affirmed the alignment of South Korea and Australia in upholding the rules-based order in the region. They announced plans for an economic security dialogue and annual climate talks. Wong's visit to Seoul came after attending ASEAN summits in Laos and a Quad foreign ministers' meeting in Tokyo.

(With inputs from agencies.)