PAJU – Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the security pact signed between Russia and North Korea, describing it as destabilizing for the region and a “flagrant violation” of UN Security Council resolutions. Speaking in Paju following a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Wong criticized Russia’s actions, stating they are “escalatory” and not conducive to peace.
The security pact, agreed upon by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, includes provisions for mutual military assistance in the event of armed aggression. This agreement has raised concerns among Washington and its allies, who accuse North Korea and Russia of breaching international laws by engaging in weapons trade that could be used against Ukraine. Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied these accusations.
Wong emphasized that North Korea’s continued transfer of weapons to Russia contravenes UN Security Council resolutions. She is scheduled to meet South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul later on Tuesday to discuss North Korea and strengthen bilateral cooperation for regional peace.
Wong’s visit follows her participation in summits in Laos with the ASEAN bloc and a meeting of Quad foreign ministers in Tokyo, where she engaged with counterparts from the United States, Japan, and India. Ahead of her trip, Wong highlighted Australia’s and South Korea’s shared goals of enhancing strategic alignment, focusing on expanded bilateral and regional cooperation, including energy transition and economic security.
