Lavrov says Japanese militarism, American hegemony persist as ongoing concerns

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday that events spanning several years illustrate that Japanese militarism and American hegemony persist as ongoing concerns.

Western colonialism continues to be a primary objective and direction of influence for Europeans, Americans and Japanese, Lavrov said at a reception on behalf of the North Korean government in Pyongyang.

"In these conditions, our mutual solidarity, based on historical, fraternal ties, acquires special significance," he said.

Lavrov thanked North Korea for its unwavering support to Russia, noting there are a few countries like the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which has no fear to openly express solidarity with Russia.

"Such an opportunity is a distinctive feature of states and governments that are truly independent, put their national interests at the forefront and do not succumb to various tricks on the part of our Western colleagues," he said.

Russia reaffirms its endorsement of DPRK's objectives under the leadership of Chairman Kim Jong-un, which include safeguarding its independence, the right of its people to self-determination and the course of its development, he said.

The shared commitment to extensive growth of a strategic partnership was fully demonstrated during a historic summit month between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, he said.

"The results of the talks confirmed the broad convergence of our approaches to the key issues on the international agenda and showed mutual, sincere and deep interest in the further development of comprehensive cooperation in the interests of our two peoples," he said.

Lavrov said his visit offers an "excellent opportunity" to thoroughly examine each of the agreements reached at the highest level at the Vostochny Cosmodrome and to lay out practical measures to ensure their comprehensive implementation.