'First Day at Work' Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol: "Not an Atmosphere to Consider Dialogue with North Korea"

Cho Tae-yeol, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, is arriving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 11th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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Newly appointed Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol stated that it is not yet time to engage in dialogue with North Korea, as the country continues to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities.

On the morning of the 11th, during his first commute to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, Minister Cho responded to reporters' remarks that voices in the U.S. political circles are calling for a shift in policy priorities towards peacebuilding to facilitate dialogue with North Korea.

He said, "North Korea is continuously enhancing its nuclear and missile capabilities, so the atmosphere is not right for considering dialogue," adding, "North Korea itself is refusing to engage in talks."

He continued, "We will focus on strengthening deterrence while simultaneously making efforts to induce change in North Korea," and explained, "If North Korea shows signs of a change in attitude, we will naturally seek opportunities for dialogue."

Regarding suspicions that North Korea and Russia are conducting arms transactions, he emphasized, "We will respond strictly to any violations of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and threats to our security," and stressed, "We have clearly stated the basic position that such actions will come with definite consequences."

In response to Russia's denial at the UNSC meeting on the 10th (local time) that there is no evidence of importing North Korean weapons, he said, "We have our own information, so we will take a stance while sharing sufficient information with relevant countries."

When asked about the possibility of the Korea-Japan-China summit, noting that January to February is difficult, March is occupied by China's Two Sessions (National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), and April is the domestic general election, making May the earliest feasible time, he said, "There is basically a consensus on holding the meeting," adding, "We will strive to hold it as soon as possible."

He remarked, "Former Minister Park Jin laid a very solid foundation for Korea-U.S., Korea-Japan, and Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation," and added, "Our first task is to further strengthen the well-paved path."

Minister Cho mentioned that he has submitted written questions regarding the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which comprehensively examines human rights situations to the Chinese government at the UN level, and that the content will be disclosed soon.

The UPR is a system where the 193 UN member states take turns reviewing their own human rights situations and the implementation of recommendations by other member states. The fourth UPR for China is scheduled for the 23rd. Minister Cho said, "We will make a statement reflecting our rightful position."

Regarding his appointment as minister, he said, "I returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after four years, but I never thought I would come back as the minister," adding, "My steps climbing the stairs were not light. I will endure the pressure and do what needs to be done."

Cho Tae-yeol, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, is seen arriving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 11th, sharing his thoughts with the press. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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