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Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Russian deputy defense minister meets South Korean ambassador

MOSCOW, April 14. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov focused on the situation in the Korean peninsula and Asia-Pacific region at a meeting with South Korean Ambassador to Moscow Pak Ro-byug, the Russian Defense Ministry’s press service and information department said on Thursday.

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Antonov and Pak Ro-byug "discussed in detail the situation and prospects for cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea and also ways to boost the cooperation," the defense ministry said in a statement.

"Antonov underscored that a political and diplomatic solution was crucial in settlement of the crisis in the Korean Peninsula, with the aim to avoid escalation in Northeast Asia," the statement said.

He pointed out that "plans to deploy US THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense - eds. TASS) anti-ballistic missile system in South Korea will have a negative impact on the military and political situation in the region."

Also, the Russian deputy defense minister briefed the South Korean ambassador on the situation in Syria, on the results of the Russian Aerospace Force’s operation, on efforts aimed at demining Palmyra, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on the humanitarian aid to Syrians.

"Besides, Antonov informed South Korea’s ambassador about key international events organized by the Russian Defense Ministry in 2016, namely the 5th Moscow International Security Conference, the Army-2016 international defense and technology forum and the International Army Games," the statement says, noting Antonov confirmed an invitation for South Korean servicemen to attend the forums.

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