Korea-Japan Senior Talks on North Korean Nuclear Issue Held: "Korea-Japan Cooperation Essential in Addressing North Korean Nuclear Problem"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Following the US-ROK and US-ROK-Japan talks, a ROK-Japan senior-level consultation on North Korea's nuclear issue was held. This was the first consultation since the Biden administration's review of its North Korea policy. Takehiro Funakoshi, Director of the Asia and Oceania Bureau at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Japan's senior official on North Korea nuclear issues, emphasized that ROK-Japan cooperation is essential in addressing the North Korean nuclear problem.

On the afternoon of the 21st, Director Funakoshi held talks with Noh Kyu-duk, Director General for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul. He stated, "ROK-Japan cooperation is as essential as US-ROK-Japan cooperation for the stability and peace of the Korean Peninsula, especially in dealing with the North Korean nuclear issue."

Director Funakoshi also stressed, "We have maintained close consultations during the US review of its North Korea policy, and today's meeting will serve as another starting point for policy consultations."

Director General Noh also said, "We share the recognition that we must work together for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace," adding, "Cooperation between the two countries, as well as trilateral cooperation among the US, ROK, and Japan, is essential for progress toward our common goals." He further expressed hopes for the success of the Tokyo Olympics and urged discussions related to peace in the Korean Peninsula region.

Meanwhile, in the US-ROK senior-level consultation on North Korea's nuclear issue held earlier that day, Special Representative for North Korea Policy Sung Kim urged North Korea to respond, saying, "We hope North Korea will respond positively to our proposal to meet anytime, anywhere, unconditionally."

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