EU’s Borrell, S. Korea discuss concerns over N. Korean troops in Russia

As tensions rise over North Korea‘s involvement in the Ukraine conflict, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is in South Korea to strengthen security and defense cooperation.

During his visit, Borrell met with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and toured the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), underscoring the urgent need for investment in peace.

The engagement comes at a critical moment, as concerns mount over the dispatch of North Korean troops to Russia.

Key points of Borrell’s meetings

• Borrell’s visit: Borrell is in South Korea to enhance security and defense cooperation amid rising tensions over North Korea’s troop dispatch to Russia for the Ukraine conflict.
• Demilitarized Zone tour: Borrell visited the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, emphasizing the need for investment in peace.
• Strategic dialogue: The meeting marks the first strategic dialogue between the EU and South Korea, coinciding with concerns from Washington and Seoul about North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war.

• Concerns over North Korea’s actions: During his visit, Borrell met with South Korean Defense Minister Kim, expressing worries about North Korean troops aiding Russia.
• Potential arms consideration: South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul noted that all options are being considered regarding possible military aid to Ukraine in light of North Korea’s actions.

• North Korea’s military developments: North Korea has recently tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-19, as tensions escalate.
• U.S. Warnings: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that North Korean troops may soon be deployed to Russia’s Kursk region to support the military effort in Ukraine.

This diplomatic engagement highlights the urgent need for coordinated responses to security threats posed by North Korea amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.