Fact Check: "North Korea's relationship with Russia is 'unwavering' according to Choe Son-hui."
What We Know
Recent statements from North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui highlight the strong ties between North Korea and Russia. During a reception in Pyongyang on October 18, 2023, Choe emphasized that the relationship between the two nations is characterized by an "unbreakable comradely relationship" and described it as "unwavering" in the context of mutual support, particularly regarding Russia's actions in Ukraine (AP News). Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also acknowledged North Korea's "unwavering and principled support" for Russia's military efforts (AP News). This indicates a solidified partnership, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Analysis
The claim that North Korea's relationship with Russia is "unwavering" is supported by multiple statements from high-ranking officials of both countries. Choe Son-hui's remarks at the reception in Pyongyang were reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which is known for its pro-government bias and often reflects the official stance of the North Korean regime (AP News). Lavrov's comments further reinforce this narrative, as he expressed gratitude for North Korea's support during a time of international tension (AP News).
However, it is essential to consider the reliability of the sources. The KCNA, while an official source, is not independent and tends to present information that aligns with the North Korean government's agenda. This raises questions about the objectivity of the statements made by Choe Son-hui. Conversely, AP News and other international outlets provide a broader context and are generally considered more reliable, although they also rely on information provided by state media in authoritarian regimes.
The context of the statements is crucial; they come amid heightened military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including discussions about arms supplies and military technology exchanges (AP News). This backdrop lends credibility to the assertion that the relationship is indeed unwavering, as both nations appear to be aligning their interests in opposition to Western powers.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that North Korea's relationship with Russia is "unwavering" is substantiated by statements from both Choe Son-hui and Sergey Lavrov, indicating a strong and supportive partnership. While the source of these statements may introduce some bias, the consistency of the messaging from both governments suggests a genuine commitment to their alliance, particularly in the context of their shared geopolitical interests.
Sources
- Russia's foreign minister thanks North Korea for ‘unwavering’ support of its war in Ukraine (AP News)
- North Korea, Russia reaffirm commitment to partnership (Reuters)
- N. Korea's FM hails defense treaty with Russia as 'invincible alliance' (Yonhap News)
- North's Foreign Ministry hails defense treaty with Russia as invincible alliance (Korea JoongAng Daily)
- North Korea declared unwavering support for Russia in ongoing conflict in Ukraine (The Asia Live)
