Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Russian Federation Lee Seok-bae.
The discussion broached a wide array of issues pertaining to the bilateral and international agenda in the current geopolitical climate.
Grigory Karasin articulated that, notwithstanding the intricate international circumstances, Russia remains prepared to engage in dialogue with the Republic of Korea. This commitment is evidenced by the exchange of protocol messages between the heads of state and the ongoing interactions at international forums. Simultaneously, the senator highlighted that Russian-South Korean relations are presently at a historical nadir, with political dialogue and inter-parliamentary exchanges having been suspended.
“Collaboration between the houses of the Federal Assembly of Russia and the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea has consistently functioned as an indispensable conduit for bilateral engagement. In times as challenging as these, the significance of parliamentary diplomacy becomes particularly pronounced,” emphasised Grigory Karasin. “The Russian side operates on the assumption that a fundamental condition for the normalisation of bilateral relations is Seoul’s withdrawal from the anti-Russian policies of the collective West, including those concerning the Ukraine crisis,” the senator asserted.
Lee Seok-bae observed that external factors are currently impeding cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation. However, he expressed confidence that this situation is temporary and urged Russian parliament members to focus on the gradual revival of inter-parliamentary relations. The Ambassador committed to making every effort to restore contacts between the Federation Council and the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.
During the meeting, Grigory Karasin and Lee Seok-bae discussed the Ukraine crisis and the broader situation on the Korean Peninsula. The senator underscored the necessity for an objective and comprehensive re-evaluation by Seoul of the geopolitical dynamics on the Korean Peninsula, taking into account, among other considerations, the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and the DPRK.
Both parties agreed that the revival of interregional cooperation, particularly among our Far Eastern regions, possesses significant potential and will promote the development of ties in the economic, infrastructure, and social spheres.
Grigory Karasin and Lee Seok-bae agreed to continue their contacts.