Mr Yoon told the United Nations General Assembly last week that if Russia helped North Korea advance its weapons programmes it would be a “direct provocation”.

“It is quite natural and normal for neighboring countries to maintain close relations with each other and there is no reason to hold such an action accountable,” the North Korean news agency KCNA reported.

Kim Jong Un returned home last week after a week-long trip to Russia, during which he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to boost military and economic cooperation.

South Korea has expressed concern that Russia is seeking military cooperation with North Korea to replenish its weapons stockpiles in the war in Ukraine, while Pyongyang is seeking technological assistance for its nuclear and missile programs.

“The DPRK's foreign policy… will not be bound by anything, and its friendly and cooperative relations with its close neighbors will continue to develop stronger,” KCNA reported.

Mai Anh (according to Reuters)