Russia and North Korea have expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation, including in the defense sector, in statements made on Tuesday. This move underscores the deepening ties

between the two countries, which have both faced isolation and sanctions from the West. Amidst their strained relationships with the United States, Moscow and Pyongyang have been drawing closer together, particularly following Russia's involvement in Ukraine and its subsequent hostilities.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un highlighted the importance of advancing tactical and strategic cooperation between the two nations in the realms of defense and security. This sentiment was conveyed through a statement by the country's defense minister, as reported by the state-run RIA Novosti agency.

Russian President Vladimir Putin echoed the call for stronger ties in a congratulatory message to Kim on the occasion of his country's National Liberation Day. Putin emphasized the potential for enhanced bilateral cooperation across various domains to benefit their respective populations and contribute to stability and security in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asian region.

Putin pointed out that the foundation for close collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang was laid during Korea's liberation from Japan and the challenges of wartime. This sentiment was shared as the two leaders' statements followed a meeting between Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his North Korean counterpart Kang Sun Nam last month, where Russia's partnership with North Korea was praised.

The United States, however, cautioned against potential arms deals or security cooperation between Russia and North Korea, asserting that such actions could violate UN Security Council resolutions. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel emphasized that any form of such collaboration would be in breach of these resolutions. Photo by Kremlin.ru, Wikimedia commons.