The foreign ministers of the United States and South Korea have agreed to take concerted actions against the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his South Korean counterpart Park Jin met in Seoul on Thursday.
The two shared "profound concerns" about North Korea's "growing and dangerous military cooperation with Russia," calling it a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a serious threat to the world.
They also reaffirmed that the two countries will work closely together to strengthen the validity of the US extended deterrence commitment aimed at defending its allies with nuclear weapons and other capabilities.
At a news conference after their meeting, Blinken noted the alleged two-way military trade between Russia and North Korea. He suggested that the US will respond to the moves in cooperation with South Korea and other allies.
He also expressed hope that China will play a constructive role in "pulling North Korea back from irresponsible and dangerous behavior."
Park referred to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, saying the ministers had reaffirmed the need for a temporary pause in the fighting for humanitarian purposes.
Earlier in the day, Blinken held a luncheon meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Yoon reportedly told Blinken that the US leadership will be increasingly important for addressing problems in North Korea, Ukraine and the Middle East.
Blinken emphasized the US intention to strengthen allied relations with South Korea, saying Washington's diplomatic policy is focused on the Indo-Pacific region.