Ukraine defence minister says he discussed boosting security with South Korean president
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Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov raised the issue of North Korea's support for Russia's invasion of his country when he met the South Korean President.
PHOTO: AFP
KYIV - Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said he had discussed joint steps to strengthen security and stability with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol while on a visit to Seoul on Nov 27.
“We believe that our arguments about the need to increase cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Korea will lead to a tangible strengthening of security for our peoples and regions,” Mr Umerov wrote in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.
Ukraine has asked Seoul in the past for a range of weapons, and Seoul has said it could consider such aid, depending on what Russia and North Korea do.
Mr Umerov raised the presence of 12,000 North Korean troops among Russian forces and the North Korean military’s “active” support for energy infrastructure attacks on Ukraine, the statement said.
“For the Republic of Korea (South Korea), these actions pose a serious threat, as North Korean troops are gaining combat experience, which could create additional security challenges in the region in the future,” he said.
Mr Umerov’s delegation also met Seoul’s national security adviser and defence minister, according to the statement.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address, said Mr Umerov’s talks had focused on “what we can do together to protect our nations and ensure the security of our regions”.
“The presence of not only missiles and shells from North Korea in Russia’s arsenal, but also soldiers on the front lines, represents a globalisation of the war initiated by Russia, a war that can only be stopped through global efforts,” he said. REUTERS
