Oct 19 (NHK) - Senior officials from Japan, the United States, and South Korea have agreed that the 3 countries will put maximum pressure on North Korea for its repeated ballistic missile and nuclear tests.
Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Shinsuke Sugiyama, US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, and South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Lim Sung-nam met in Seoul on Wednesday.
They agreed that the threat posed by North Korea has increased markedly.
They pledged to work to bring North Korea back to the negotiating table and press it to give up its missile and nuclear programs through full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions against it and other means.
At a joint news conference, Lim said the countries confirmed the shared goal of the North's abandonment of nuclear arms. He added the 3 countries will make all possible diplomatic efforts, including sanctions and dialogue.
Sullivan referred to US President Donald Trump's planned visit to Japan and South Korea next month. He noted that Trump will reaffirm the US commitment to its allies.
Sugiyama stated that Japan highly appreciates the fact that the US government has made it clear all options are on the table. He also said the 3 countries will closely cooperate on the issue of abductions by North Korea.
Source: ANNnewsCH
