The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, has arrived in South Korea to hold discussions with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul. This visit comes as Seoul expresses growing concern over reports of North Korean troops being sent to Russia to support Moscow’s offensive against Ukraine.
Borrell, who recently visited Japan, shared details of his South Korean visit on social media, highlighting a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. “My visit today to the DMZ between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea serves as a reminder of the need to invest more in peace,” Borrell stated, referencing North Korea’s official name.
Borrell’s mission in Seoul includes advancing EU-South Korea security and defense cooperation “to the next level,” although specific details were not provided.
This strategic dialogue between the EU and South Korea takes place as Washington and Seoul express alarm over North Korean forces potentially joining Russian forces in Ukraine. On Monday, Borrell met with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, expressing concerns over the potential involvement of North Korean troops in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to Yonhap News Agency.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul recently suggested that Seoul is considering all options, including potentially supplying weapons to Ukraine, in response to North Korea’s assistance to Russia. South Korea has previously supported Ukraine with demining equipment but has refrained from sending weaponry. Seoul also suspects Pyongyang may receive compensation from Moscow in the form of military and civilian technology, which could boost North Korea’s missile capabilities.
Last week, North Korea showcased its military power by testing a new, large solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-19. The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that North Korean troops stationed in Russia’s Kursk region could soon engage in the conflict against Ukraine.
In Moscow, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui pledged continued support for Russia until its victory over Ukraine following discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
This article is originally published on lindependant.fr
