A "joint statement", issued by the diplomatic authorities of the U.S., Japan and the "Republic of Korea (ROK)" on Oct. 26, is the most politicized document that seriously distorted the friendly and cooperative relations between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation and is opposed to the universal principles of international law on establishing relations among sovereign states.

The U.S. and its allies' criticism of the DPRK-Russia relations has not been in existence for only a day or two.

Anyhow, it has become clearer that they have the vital geopolitical interests in illegalizing the DPRK-Russia relations, in view of the present international political situation and the crises the U.S., Japan and "ROK" are facing at home and abroad.

If they have no malice toward the DPRK and Russia, there will be no reason to strain every nerve and feel uneasy about the development of equal and normal relations between the two countries.

If they were curious to prove that the specific sphere of cooperation between the DPRK and Russia posed a "threat" to international peace and security, they should have to clarify beforehand why their triangular military alliance is not regarded as a threat to regional peace and security.

Unlike the shackling and unequal relations among the U.S., Japan and "ROK" which are thoroughly subject to the establishment of U.S. hegemony, the DPRK-Russia relationship is the reciprocal relations of friendship and cooperation based on independent equality and respect for sovereignty.

The bilateral relations are developing on the basis of such recognized principles of international law as national sovereignty, mutual respect, non-interference, equality and mutual benefit under the DPRK-Russia treaty of friendship, good neighborliness and cooperation, a legitimate constitution of international law. This is an intrinsic attribute of the DPRK-Russia relations.

According to the principle of international law on friendly relations and cooperation among the sovereign states confirming with the UN Charter, any nation or group of nations has no right to interfere in the issues belonging to the national sovereignty of states or in internal and external affairs of other countries.

Therefore, the groundless criticism and defamation of the DPRK-Russia relations are just denial and violation of the UN Charter and the recognized international law.

The independent DPRK and Russia do not define their duty according to the direction or deadline specified by others and, moreover, the groundless concern of the U.S., Japan and "ROK" about the DPRK-Russia relations is not a matter for the DPRK to settle.

The DPRK-Russia relations, aimed at promoting the well-being of the peoples of the two countries, do not target the third country, but if peace and security in the region are endangered due to the persistent moves of the U.S., Japan and "ROK" for instability, they will act as a powerful strategic stability element to contain such situation.

It is the steadfast will and stand of the DPRK to comprehensively expand and develop the bilateral relations with the Russian Federation in the idea of independence, peace and friendship and thus build stable, future-oriented and eternal DPRK-Russia relationship in the new era, no matter what others may say.

I express firm belief that the traditional and strategic DPRK-Russia relations of friendship, cooperation and good neighborliness will greet a new higher phase through full implementation of the agreements reached at the historic September DPRK-Russia summit meeting and talks.