New york: The top diplomats of South Korea, the United States, and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to the denuclearization of North Korea and emphasized the importance of maintaining sanctions against Pyongyang. This was outlined in a joint statement released following their meeting.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the statement was issued after South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya convened on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. The discussions focused on their partnership and shared concerns, particularly North Korea's nuclear threats.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with the Trump administration, provided the U.S. drops its demand for denuclearization. Kim has stated he has no plans to abandon his nuclear arsenal.
The joint statement highlighted the diplomats' firm commitment to the denuclearization of North Korea in alignment with United Nations Security Council resolutions. It also stressed efforts to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy.
The statement further underscored the necessity of addressing North Korea's nuclear and missile programs collectively. It called for maintaining and strengthening sanctions against the DPRK, advocating for a firm and cooperative response to any violations of the relevant UNSC resolutions.