High-ranking U.S. and South Korean government officials in charge of North Korea talked in Seoul on the 18th, saying that North Korea may conduct a seventh nuclear test and further increase tensions, strongly saying through the United Nations Security Council We confirmed the need to respond and the importance of cooperation between Japan, the United States and South Korea.
Special Representative Sung Kim, who is in charge of North Korea issues at the US State Department, visited Seoul on the 18th to meet with No Gyu-duk, the head of the Korean Peninsula Peace Negotiations Headquarters, and launch ballistic missiles. We exchanged opinions on how to deal with North Korea, which is repeating the above process.
After the meeting, both sides responded to a reporter's interview, and Kim pointed out that North Korea may conduct a seventh nuclear test.
He added, "We agreed on the need to respond strongly to North Korea's provocation. It is important for the UN Security Council to send a clear message," and the importance of cooperation among the three countries, including Japan. I made it clear that I confirmed it.
On the other hand, he said, "The door to diplomacy with North Korea is not closed. We are ready to meet anywhere without any conditions." He called on North Korea to respond unconditionally to the dialogue.
He also acknowledged that North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile on the 16th, and said, "We shared the concern that we are likely to continue to raise tensions." I did.
He mentioned that the US-Korea joint military exercise began on the 18th, and emphasized that "maintaining a strong defense posture is more important than ever."