SEOUL, South Korea: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon condemned North Korea’s weapons program and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during their summit in Seoul on Wednesday, the first in nine years.
The leaders highlighted the importance of solidarity among countries that share democratic values amid rising threats from authoritarian forces, including military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
They specifically condemned Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions and alleged arms supply to Moscow for use in Ukraine. In a joint statement, both nations called for Russia to respect its international obligations and withdraw from Ukraine’s territory.
While Seoul has pledged humanitarian aid to Ukraine, it has not sent military aid due to its policy against providing weapons to countries in conflict. The leaders also agreed to strengthen bilateral ties between South Korea and New Zealand.
