Sergey Lavrov: “We highlighted our concern about the counterproductive and dangerous efforts by external powers to build narrow, bloc-based alliances in the Asia-Pacific and to expand NATO’s infrastructure into the region”

Photo: MFA

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks and answers to media questions following the second round of Russia-DPRK strategic dialogue at the level of foreign ministers.

Wonsan, July 12, 2025

Colleagues,

We are in Wonsan, North Korea. This is a new resort that was promptly built by our Korean friends, a good tourist attraction. We hope that it will be popular not only with locals, but also with Russian tourists.

We have held the second round of our strategic dialogue – a format launched at the decision of President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un. The first round took place in Moscow in 2024. Today, Wonsan hosts the second.

Russia and the DPRK are long-standing neighbours and reliable partners, and with the signing of a new treaty in Pyongyang in June 2024, we became allies. This deepening of ties is rooted not only in our geographical proximity and shared history but also in our alignment on key issues regarding both the development of our countries and peoples, and on major international and regional matters.

Today, during my meeting with Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, we reaffirmed that the progressive development of bilateral relations serves the interests of both our nations. It contributes meaningfully to the stabilisation of the situation on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens peace and security throughout Northeast Asia.

In the context of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we held a detailed and candid discussion on the prospects for enhancing political dialogue, particularly between our foreign ministries. We have just signed a Plan of Inter-Ministerial Exchanges between Russia and the DPRK for 2026-2027. This comprehensive document covers almost all key international topics, including concrete tasks for the foreign ministries to coordinate broader intergovernmental efforts in such areas as trade, economics, investment, humanitarian exchanges, tourism, and, notably, the promotion of the Russian language in the DPRK and Korean in the Russian Federation. These are not symbolic gestures: there are real educational programmes in place, growing in popularity in both countries.

We can see positive trends in practical cooperation. We believe it is important to take further steps to boost our bilateral trade. We agreed that these matters will be considered in detail during the upcoming 12th meeting of the Russian–Korean Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation.

We also focused on the situation on the Korean Peninsula. We share the view that unresolved tensions in the region continue to affect Northeast Asia’s overall stability and hinder prospects for equitable, mutually beneficial cooperation among its nations.

We also discussed broader regional developments in the Asia-Pacific Region and reaffirmed our support for the creation of inclusive security mechanisms that are equitable, non-aligned, and grounded in international law. We highlighted our concern about the counterproductive and dangerous efforts by external powers to build narrow, bloc-based alliances in the Asia-Pacific and to expand NATO’s infrastructure into the region.

We reviewed Russia’s initiative to develop a pan-continental architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia. This concept that enjoys the support of our Korean partners, and the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a key component of this emerging security architecture.

We talked about our joint work within the UN and other multilateral formats. We noted with satisfaction the traditionally high level of coordination and mutual support between our countries.

We also discussed the developments around the Ukraine crisis. Our Korean friends reaffirmed their clear support for all the objectives of the special military operation and for the actions taken by the Russian leadership, armed forces, and citizens to achieve these goals.

In our turn, we once again expressed sincere gratitude for the contribution of the Korean People’s Army servicemen to the success of the operation to liberate the Kursk Region from Ukrainian nationalist forces and foreign mercenaries.

I believe the results of the second round of the strategic dialogue deserves a highly positive assessment. We have outlined concrete steps for advancing our strategic partnership across the entire range of bilateral relations and on the global stage.

Question: President of Russia Vladimir Putin visited North Korea in June 2024. What is the current situation at the highest level? Are there plans to exchange personal messages?

Sergey Lavrov: President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the DPRK State Affairs Commission Kim Jong-un maintain regular contact. They frequently exchange messages. There are no plans to discontinue this practice. The occasion for the next exchange will be determined by the two leaders. The same applies to their future contacts: they will certainly take place. The time and venue will be agreed upon directly between President Putin and Chairman Kim Jong-un.

Question: A year ago, the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed, as you have mentioned today. What can be considered the main result of this past year’s work? Are there ongoing updates to the documents, considering the rapidly evolving international situation?

Sergey Lavrov: The treaty does not call for any updates to its text. It is, by design, a strategic document that outlines long-term areas for bilateral cooperation.

As I mentioned earlier, the Russian-Korean Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation continues its active work. We can also see significant progress in the cultural and humanitarian sphere: for example, special centres for teaching Russian have been established at Korean universities, and Russian universities are likewise hosting Korean language centres.

There also are cultural exchanges. Performers from the DPRK regularly tour in Russia, while Russian theatre artists and musicians participate in cultural events held in the DPRK. A recent example is the visit by Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, during which Russian theatre companies performed in the DPRK.

Of course, the treaty establishes the core principles of our interaction on the global stage, as well as our alliance in repelling hostile actions and any acts of aggression against either party. This includes close coordination in foreign policy. Our approaches are almost completely aligned, and both sides actively support each other’s positions at the UN and other multilateral platforms. I am confident that the treaty has largely enhanced our cooperation across all areas.

Question: Is there any long-term programme of border cooperation between the DPRK and Russia? Is it possible to have the visa regime between Russia and the DPRK cancelled?

Sergey Lavrov: We are indeed moving toward more active involvement of the both countries’ regions in our strategic partnership and alliance. Flights between Moscow, Khabarovsk and Pyongyang have been restored. There are plans to restore maritime communications as well. All this will develop people-to-people contacts. The border regions of the Far East will display their interest above all. There is longstanding familiarity with and interest in the DPRK.

There was a break in our contacts because of the pandemic. Certain limitations still remain due to the coronavirus aftermath. I believe that in the nearest future these restrictions will be gradually lifted, and tourism will be developing for certain. Our Korean friends expressed their interest in having more Russians at such a wonderful resort as Wonsan and other resorts of the DPRK. No doubt that it will be this way.

Question: The DPRK has admitted on many occasions that it had been urged to develop nuclear technologies by the US actions in Libya among other circumstances. What conclusions may Pyongyang, in your opinion, make based on the US’s latest actions in Iran? Are there grounds to believe that the attack by the United States against Iranian facilities will only strengthen the North Korea’s determination to enhance its defence, including the nuclear component?

Sergey Lavrov: The DPRK leadership drew its conclusions regarding national defence long before the recent US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is precisely because those conclusions were made in a timely manner that no serious actor contemplates a military strike against the DPRK today. Nevertheless, we are witnessing ongoing military buildup around the Korean Peninsula, driven by the United States in coordination with South Korea and Japan. We caution against the misuse of alliances and partnerships as tools of confrontation, including any efforts to direct them against the DPRK or the Russian Federation.

The technologies applied by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are a result of efforts by North Korean scientists. We respect the DPRK’s actions and understand the reasons why they carry out their nuclear programme.

Question: Some time ago, the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team comprising of 11 countries, including South Korea and the United States, released a report on the military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK, some aspects of which allegedly violated the UN Security Council resolutions. The DPRK Foreign Ministry called the report on military cooperation with Moscow a provocation and falsification.

How does Russia regard such accusations? What in particular do you think may evoke such reaction from Western countries?

Sergey Lavrov: This report, like the very activity of the group established beyond the UN, is nothing more than an empty shell.

Only the UN Security Council and its established agencies have the right to assess whether the actions of the DPRK, Russia, or anyone else comply with the principles of the UN Charter. The Security Council did not deal with the group you have mentioned and was not even advised of how it happened. We see no interest in this group. Its decisions and activity are senseless from the outset.

Question: In your response to my colleague’s question, you said that there are direct flights between Moscow, Khabarovsk and Pyongyang already. What other measures are you going to apply for developing the two countries’ tourist potential?

Sergey Lavrov: I think that, since we at the attractive Wonsan resort, the agenda shall include air communication with Vladivostok or maybe Khabarovsk. Ferry communication is quite realistic as well. Today, we discussed such prospects. Specialised agencies will certainly address this issue.

Question: President of South Korea Lee Jae-myung called for active efforts intended to restore ties with the DPRK and underscored that this was a direct way to stronger national security.

You have already said that a peaceful settlement in the Korean Peninsula was discussed today at the talks with your counterpart. Is Russia prepared to help these two countries in restoring relations? Has Washington asked Moscow for assistance in establishing a dialogue with Pyongyang?

Sergey Lavrov: We will not judge actions of the new South Korean administration by the statements made frequently enough by the new president, who is making populist appeals to “eternal friendship.”

We will judge by specific deeds, which are still in the same condition as they were under the previous South Korean administration. They boil down to developing the tripartite South Korea – Japan – United States alliance. The alliance conducts more frequent military exercises, and involving the nuclear component, too. This is not conducive to peace and stability not only on Korean Peninsula but also in the Northeast Asia overall.

As for relations between the DPRK and Seoul, then we will only act in such acceptable areas that are of interest to the DPRK. It is our ally. We will proceed from this.

As for the United States, you must have noted what US President Donald Trump said about resuming contacts between the DPRK and the United States, including at the top level. We have heard it; our friends have heard it as well. That’s all for now.

Question: Is the DPRK likely to join such formats as SCO and BRICS?

Sergey Lavrov: I can’t guess. Foreign contacts are to the sovereign right of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Today, my colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK, raised an issue related to implementing Vladimir Putin’s initiative to establish the architecture of Eurasian security. We reaffirmed that the next, third (1, 2) International Conference on Eurasian Security will be held in Minsk this October.

Our Belarusian colleagues, with our full support, have sent an invitation to our Korean friends. They are considering it. Hopefully, it will be a good opportunity for them to contribute to the discussions on this pressing topic.

Question: Earlier, you highly appreciated the contribution made by DPRK servicemen to the liberation of the Kursk Region. Could servicemen of the Korean People’s Army potentially engage in combat actions in other areas as well?

Sergey Lavrov: We responded to a proposal from the DPRK leader, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un. We had no reasons to decline this sincere act of solidarity.

We procced from the understanding that the DPRK itself determines the forms in which we implement our Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Question: Are there plans to further commemorate the glory of the Korean People’s Army fighters who died during the liberation of the Kursk Region? How will our countries protect historical memory in the future?

Sergey Lavrov: We do have such plans. It was our initiative wholeheartedly supported by our Korean friends. We will erect a monument commemorating this. We are also planning to celebrate the legacy of our combat brotherhood during World War II and the Great Patriotic War.

I expect that in the near future these projects will take specific shape and begin to be implemented.

As for the protection of historical memory, first, we are actively engaged in the relevant education of our citizens, starting from the school. Second, we defend our Victory and oppose the attempts to besmirch it or turn the entire situation “upside down” at all international platforms, primarily at the UN.

Every year the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution against the glorification of Nazism. The DPRK is an active co-sponsor of this document. It also co-sponsored another initiative: to hold a special meeting of the UN General Assembly marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in World War. It has been decided that such sessions will be held every five years to mark the next anniversaries as well. This is also an important opportunity to promote our common principles.

Another example. The United Nations has a Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter. Both Russia and the DPRK are its members. This format is used to work out initiatives, including on the unacceptability of revising the results of the World War II or reviving neo-colonial practices in world politics. This is also an important instrument of promoting our common approaches shared by many UN members.

Question: According to The Washington Post the “coalition of the willing” has agreed to set up Multinational Forces in Defence of Ukraine after an armistice. In your opinion, how could this idea contribute to a settlement and what could be Moscow's response?

Sergey Lavrov: We have no special interest in this. They are shouting it loudly so we cannot just ignore it. But we do not take seriously the various fantasies put forward by those who seek attention on the international stage and are not going to discuss them.

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