Jeong Eui-yong "Cruise missile and nuclear activities resumed... Shows urgency of dialogue with North Korea"

Minister Jeong Eui-yong speaking.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong stated on the 13th that North Korea's launch of a long-range cruise missile demonstrates the need to resume dialogue.

At a joint press conference following the Korea-Australia Foreign and Defense Ministers' Meeting, Minister Chung said, "Regarding the long-range cruise missile launch announced by North Korea over the weekend, South Korea and the United States are closely cooperating to conduct a detailed analysis of North Korea's intentions and specifications."

Minister Chung added, "The recent resumption of some nuclear activities by North Korea, as well as the cruise missile launch yesterday after six months since March, indicate that nuclear and missile activities are restarting. This clearly shows the urgent need for dialogue, engagement, and diplomacy with North Korea to fundamentally resolve these issues."

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne expressed support for resolving the North Korean nuclear issue through dialogue and inter-Korean engagement, but explained, "Australia has long made it clear that it is committed to implementing UN Security Council and Australia’s own sanctions against North Korea until North Korea takes clear steps toward complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization."

She also said she would "not speculate on North Korea’s intentions behind the cruise missile launch," and emphasized Australia's consistent statement urging North Korea to remain committed to dialogue with South Korea and the United States.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.