South Korea, New Zealand leaders condemn North Korea nuclear development

SEOUL (Reuters) - The leaders of South Korea and New Zealand condemned North Korea's nuclear weapons development and its military cooperation with Russia, Seoul's presidential office said on Wednesday.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol also agreed to speed up discussions on elevating their relations to a comprehensive, strategic partnership at a meeting in Seoul, Yoon's office said in a joint statement.

The two leaders expressed support for Ukraine's peace and condemned Russia's invasion, according to the statement, as well as stressing the importance of preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

It marks the first time in nine years that a New Zealand prime minister has visited South Korea, Yoon's office said.

Yoon has been raising the alarm on North Korea's nuclear and missile program and its deepening military ties with Russia in meetings with world leaders.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Tom Hogue and Lincoln Feast.)