ANKARA

South Korea's acting president called on security-related ministers Thursday to maintain a "watertight readiness" posture against strengthening military ties between North Korea and Russia, a report said.

"North Korea is accelerating its close ties with Russia, upgrading its weapons systems aimed at us and plotting new provocations, while our government, businesses and citizens remain under constant threat of cyber-attacks," Han Duck-soo was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.

Seoul has repeatedly condemned North Korea over its cooperation with Russia, including the deployment of troops to support Moscow in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Addressing growing public concern over the impact of US President Donald Trump's administration on South Korea's security, Han said the government must respond to the changing global order, including negotiations with Washington, with the national interest as its top priority.

*Writing by Aamir Latif