Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul called for enhanced security cooperation between South Korea and Britain on Monday in light of North Korea’s recent deployment of troops to assist Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized the interconnectedness of security concerns between Europe and the Indo-Pacific during his discussion with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Seoul. Cho highlighted the recent geopolitical developments, including North Korea’s military involvement in Ukraine, as a basis for strengthened partnerships based on shared values. “In a geopolitical landscape where the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are increasingly intertwined by the day, as illustrated by the recent developments on the Korean Peninsula and in Ukraine, including the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, we must work together as trusted partners bound by shared values,” he stated.
South Korea’s intelligence service confirmed that North Korea had dispatched 1,500 soldie
rs to Russia’s Far East earlier this month to participate in the conflict in Ukraine, with plans to send additional troops. This move is part of a growing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, following a recent treaty between the two nations promising mutual military aid in case of an attack.
During the talks, Cho also reflected on the multifaceted relationship between South Korea and Britain, expressing hopes for continued advancements in areas such as economics, climate change, and artificial intelligence. On his part, Lammy acknowledged the historical and future ties between the two nations, referencing Britain’s involvement in the Korean War from 1950-1953, and expressed enthusiasm for further strengthening their strategic partnership. “I’m very pleased to continue to build on our important global strategic partnership and to be here in person with you at this time,” Lammy remarked.
Lammy’s visit to South Korea includes his participation in the inauguration of Indonesia’s President-ele
ct Prabowo Subianto, as part of his diplomatic tour in Asia. Prior to his official talks, he visited the Panmunjom truce village, a significant site along the Military Demarcation Line where troops from both Koreas confront each other.