Simultaneous US State and Defense visits to Korea... Attention to messages to North Korea

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US Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense will arrive in Korea today (17th) and have a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense.

As North Korea announced a warning message to Korea and the United States one day before the US diplomatic and security line visit Korea, it is noteworthy what message will come to North Korea at today's talks.

This is the first news, reporter No.

<Reporter>

Secretary of State Blincoln and Secretary of Defense Austin are arriving in their respective countries this afternoon.

Immediately after their arrival, the two ministers meet with Foreign Minister Eui-yong Eui-yong and Defense Minister Seo-wook, respectively, for individual meetings.

Tomorrow, the so-called '2+2 meeting' will be held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, with both foreign and defense ministers in attendance.

At this meeting, it is noteworthy what message the United States will bring to North Korea, which has declared a review of North Korea policy since President Biden took office.

Discussions will continue not only on issues on the Korean peninsula such as the North Korean nuclear issue, but also on issues of the ROK-US-Japan alliance to contain China.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the visit to Korea reflects the Biden government's will to restore global leadership through cooperation with the alliance.

After the '2+2 talks' held in Japan yesterday, they reaffirmed that North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles are a threat to international peace and security, and emphasized the maintenance of UN sanctions and complete denuclearization.

Minister Blincoln dismissed the criticism of North Korea's Labor Party Vice President Kim Yeo-jeong yesterday ahead of his visit to Korea, saying, “I will not be able to stretch my feet and sleep comfortably for the next four years.”

[Blincoln/U.S. Secretary of State: We are well aware of the (North Korea's) reaction, but the one we care about most was the response from our allies.]

Will there be a request for cooperation with the US on the US's regional security initiatives, such as the Quad, and China It is also of interest to discuss the issue of human rights against the people.