Seoul summons Russian ambassador over Kim-Putin talks

Georgy Zinoviev, ambassador of Russia to South Korea (Yonhap)

Seoul on Friday summoned Georgy Zinoviev, ambassador of Russia to South Korea, to express its discontent over the elevated ties between North Korea and Russia that would commit each other to provide military assistance in the event of armed aggression to the other.

First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun summoned Zinoviev to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Seoul and explained Seoul's stance on the bilateral pact of North Korea and Russia signed Wednesday, according to the government Friday.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Vice Minister Kim pointed out that North Korea has illicitly run a nuclear missile development program and frequently threatened to use nuclear weapons against South Korea, adding any action will be dealt with together with the international community.

Kim also said any direct or indirect support to North Korea that could contribute to increased military armament is deemed a violation of the United Nations Security Council resolution, adding any security threat to South Korea through Russia's support of North Korea will eventually mar the relationship between South Korea and Russia. Russia is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council that has the power to veto a resolution.

Zinoviev said he would communicate about the matter with the Russian government "accurately."

Zinoviev assumed the position of Russian Ambassador to South Korea in January.

By Son Ji-hyoung(consnow@heraldcorp.com)