South Korea today banned the export to Russia and Belarus of 243 products potentially used for military purposes, in response to Moscow’s cooperation agreement with North Korea.
The decision brings to 1,400 the number of products banned by the South Korean Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Seoul this time included on the “black list” metal cutting equipment, parts of optical instruments and sensors, among others, reported the South Korean news agency Yonhap.
The decision affecting this new list of products is expected to come into force at the end of August, by which time authorities hope to have all legislation and authorizations in place.
The South Korean Government reserves the possibility of a case-by-case analysis, particularly for commercial agreements that were concluded before the announcement of this ban, according to the Spanish agency Europa Press.
Russia signed a cooperation treaty with North Korea in June, during a visit
The leaders of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and North Korea, Kim Jong-un, signed a strategic partnership treaty on June 19, during a visit by the Russian President to Pyongyang.
The agreement provides for the provision of mutual assistance if one of the countries is attacked.
The United States and Western allies have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with ammunition and missiles for the war against Ukraine.
Russia and North Korea have been allies since the end of the Korean War (1950-1953), but have become closer since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
