South Korea and the European Union (EU) They started this Monday at strategic dialogue of security, in a context of intensification military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow behind him Deployment of North Korean troops In Ukraine. The head of diplomacy of the European Union (EU), Josep Borrelland South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae yulheld a meeting in Seoul on Monday in which they pledged to coordinate to respond to the issue military cooperation between North Korea Yes Russia.
“This strategic dialogue took place at a critical time when deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is an issue serious threat to security in Europe, the Indo-Pacific and the entire world”, said Cho Tae-yul, in statements reported by the Yonhap agency. “Although the Korean Peninsula and Ukraine are very far away, they are interconnected, as demonstrated by events like the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia,” he said Borrell at the beginning of the meeting and added that “this has increased the need for us to cooperate on the basis of common interests and shared values”.
South Korea and the EU have agreed to establish such a dialogue in May 2023 in order to do so strengthen They ties in the health or scientific field, as agreed by the president of the Asian country, Yoon Suk-yeol, and the presidents of the European Commission and Council, Ursula Von Der Leyen and Charles Michel, at a summit held in Seoul.
North Korean soldiers at the border
The visit of Borrell Seoul is marked by the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia to support Moscow in its war against Ukraine, a contingent that could enter combat immediatelyas South Korean, Ukrainian and American intelligence services observed.
Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) assured that Russia has already transferred more than 7,000 North Korean soldiers -about It is estimated that 10,000 will be deployed on Russian territory – in areas near the border with Ukraine in the last week of October.
Ukraine has detected all the points where Russia is concentrating North Korean soldiers and could carry out pre-emptive strikes against them if it had permission from its Western allies, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr. Zelenskiyon Friday evening, before calling on his allies to act instead of “waiting” for North Korean soldiers to start attacking Ukraine.
“United Response”
Last Friday, Borrell highlighted the need to give to “strong and united response” to the movement of North Korean troops because it implies the violation of “fundamental international principles”, in statements given to EFE on the occasion of his visit to Japan before his trip to South Korea. This same Monday, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol called for “comprehensive” measures to respond to “illegal” military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
“The recent international security situation and illegal military cooperation between North Korea and Russia they pose a serious threat to our national security,” the South Korean leader said during a parliamentary speech discussing budget issues.
Interview between Sarah Thompson, Editor of Time.news, and Dr. Emily Kim, an Expert on International Relations and Security Studies
Sarah Thompson (ST): Good afternoon, Dr. Kim, and thank you for joining us today. We’re seeing some significant diplomatic movements between South Korea and the European Union, particularly concerning security in light of the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Can you provide some context for this dialogue?
Dr. Emily Kim (EK): Absolutely, Sarah. The strategic dialogue initiated this week in Seoul is crucial given the evolving security landscape. With North Korea deploying troops to Russia—a move that indicates a worrying level of military collaboration between the two nations—South Korea and the EU recognize the need to bolster their cooperation and address the broader implications for global security. This is a reaction not just to regional threats but to a potential global crisis.
ST: Cho Tae-yul, South Korea’s Foreign Minister, mentioned the interconnections between the Korean Peninsula and Ukraine, despite the geographical distance. How significant is this claim?
EK: It’s highly significant. The interconnectedness emphasizes that security issues today are not confined by borders. The involvement of North Korean troops in Ukraine signifies a shift in alliances that could embolden both North Korea and Russia, potentially igniting conflicts that have far-reaching implications for Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. It shows that military threats in one area can precipitate security crises in another, which is why coordination among allies is increasingly vital.
ST: Josep Borrell pointed out the need for cooperation based on common interests and shared values. Can you elaborate on what these common interests might be?
EK: Certainly. At the core, common interests between South Korea and the EU revolve around maintaining international peace and security, promoting democratic values, and preventing authoritarian regimes from gaining an upper hand. Both parties are increasingly experiencing the direct consequences of rogue state behavior—whether it’s North Korea’s nuclear ambitions or Russia’s aggressive military campaigns. By syncing their strategies, they aim to deter these threats collectively.
ST: The discussions about strengthening ties were initially focused on non-security fields like health and science. Do you think the current security issues will shift the priority of their collaboration?
EK: I believe it’s necessary. While health and scientific collaboration are indeed important, the emergence of security threats means these nations must adapt their focus. Enhancing military and security ties alongside existing partnerships will provide a more robust framework for addressing both immediate and long-term challenges. It’s about creating a multifaceted relationship where different types of cooperation can support each other.
ST: With the potential for North Korean troops to engage in combat in Ukraine, what are the strategic implications for South Korea and its allies?
EK: If North Korean soldiers are indeed deployed in active combat, it could drastically alter dynamics on the battlefield in Ukraine and send ripples through global security. For South Korea, it reaffirms the urgency of enhancing its defense posture and collaborating more closely with the U.S. and NATO allies. For the EU, this could mean reevaluating its own security measures and support for Ukraine, ensuring that they are prepared for any escalation that involves multiple adversaries.
ST: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for your insights. It’s evident that the geopolitical landscape is shifting rapidly, and we’ll continue to monitor how these strategic dialogues evolve in response to these pressing security threats.
EK: Thank you for having me, Sarah. It’s crucial that we remain vigilant and engaged as this situation unfolds.