Seoul, South Korea – High-level representatives from South Korea and Japan convened in Seoul on February 10th to discuss strategies for achieving the denuclearization of North Korea, according to a statement released by the South Korean Foreign Ministry.
The meeting saw participation from Cho Koo-rae, Director-General of the Foreign Policy and Strategy Bureau at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and KANASUGI Kenji, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, a goal repeatedly emphasized by South Korea, the United States, and Japan. They explicitly acknowledged that North Korea’s persistent pursuit of nuclear weapons poses a direct and ongoing security threat to both South Korea and Japan.
During the discussions, the representatives shared detailed insights from the recent summit between the United States and Japan held on February 7th, as well as the outcomes of communication between South Korea and the U.S., and between the U.S. and Japan, regarding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and related issues.
Both parties concurred on the critical importance of maintaining close cooperation between South Korea, the United States, and Japan in terms of intelligence sharing and policy coordination. They reiterated that the significance of South Korea-Japan cooperation is heightened in the face of evolving strategic landscapes. Furthermore, they agreed to maintain ongoing collaboration to effectively respond to any form of provocation from North Korea.
The discussions also touched upon strategies to disrupt North Korea’s illicit revenue streams, aiming to hinder its ability to fund its weapons programs.
Conclusion:
This high-level consultation underscores the shared concerns and collaborative efforts of South Korea and Japan in addressing the complex challenge posed by North Korea’s nuclear program. The commitment to trilateral cooperation with the United States highlights a unified front in pursuing denuclearization and maintaining regional security. The focus on disrupting North Korea’s financial resources demonstrates a multi-faceted approach to pressure Pyongyang towards abandoning its nuclear ambitions. Further developments and continued dialogue will be crucial in navigating this sensitive geopolitical landscape.
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