US, S. Korea, Japan concerned about Russia-DPRK co-op

The national security advisers of the US, South Korea, and Japan jointly issued a stern warning regarding potential violations of international sanctions by North Korea and Russia, according to a statement released by South Korea’s presidential office, Report informs referring to CNN.

They convened to discuss the recent North Korea-Russia summit and the regional security landscape during a phone call September 14 evening local time, the statement said.

The advisers emphasized that both North Korea and Russia are obligated to adhere to the UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions, particularly those pertaining to arms trade and military cooperation. They underscored that there would be "clear consequences" if either country were to breach these obligations.

Additionally, the security chiefs highlighted Russia's greater responsibility as a permanent member of the Security Council to comply with its resolutions, the statement said.

All three countries expressed grave concerns over the discussions between President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, which included topics related to military cooperation, including the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles, despite repeated warnings from the international community, according to the statement.

The advisers also reached a consensus on the need for enhanced solidarity among their respective countries to monitor arms trade and military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, develop countermeasures, and strengthen international cooperation in this regard, the statement concluded.

Putin met his North Korean counterpart on September 13 in Russia’s Far East, but it is unclear if they struck an agreement.