US expresses concern over Russia-North Korea military cooperation
The United States expressed concern on Wednesday about the potential for military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, as the leaders of the two countries met in Russia, AFP reports.
"We are clearly concerned about any developing defence relationship between North Korea and Russia," John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, told reporters.
Matthew Miller, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, also expressed concern about any cooperation in the satellite field, which would be a violation of multiple UN resolutions.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday during a rare visit to Russia, aimed at strengthening their ties, particularly in the military.
Putin said he sees "prospects" for military cooperation with North Korea, despite international sanctions targeting Pyongyang over its developing nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The United States "will not hesitate" to impose sanctions, if necessary, against Pyongyang and Moscow, Miller warned.
"Any arrangement that would strengthen North Korea's military capabilities would certainly be concerning," Kirby also stressed.
For Washington, Russia's rapprochement with North Korea, as well as with Iran, which is supplying Moscow with drones in particular, "is a testament to Russia's desperation" in its war in Ukraine.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
