The defense ministers of South Korea and Japan expressed their strong disapproval of the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia. During the meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Laos, the two ministers emphasized that this act increases regional instability, BTA reports.
Planned strengthening of bilateral cooperation
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his South Korean counterpart agreed to strengthen military ties between the two countries. An important step in this cooperation will be Nakatani's upcoming visit to Seoul, which should take place by the end of the year.
South Korea introduces new sanctions
In response to increased cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, Seoul announced plans to impose a travel ban on Russia's Kursk region, which is close to the Ukrainian border. The measure is part of a broader strategy to sanction the actions of North Korea and Russia.
Regional tensions and global implications
The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia is seen as a provocation that further complicates international peace efforts. Tokyo and Seoul have clearly demonstrated their determination to respond in a coordinated manner to the intensifying Russian-North Korean cooperation.