By Reporter Anna Kim  

   
Kim Gunn, ROK Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs,

held talks with U.S. Special Representative for the DPRK Ambassador Sung Kim, and representatives from South Korea and the United States on North Korean nuclear issues in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan on July 21.

Both sides strongly condemned the recent series of North Korea's illegal nuclear and missile threats and provocations, which have escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

Furthermore, they acknowledged the efforts of the U.S. and South Korea to strengthen their joint deterrence and response posture through the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) and pledged to be thoroughly prepared for any further provocations from North Korea based on a robust U.S.-South Korea defense posture.

Both sides praised the unified and resolute message sent by the international community, including G7 and ASEAN foreign ministers, in response to North Korea's long-range ballistic missile launch on July 12, emphasizing that such provocations only deepen North Korea's isolation from the international community.

They also agreed to enhance cooperation between South Korea and the United States to block North Korea's sources of funding for nuclear and missile development, including illegal cyber activities, overseas labor exports, and illicit shipping. They committed to actively promoting the full implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions on North Korea.

In addition, while acknowledging China's responsibility and constructive role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a country with influence over North Korea, both sides decided to continue communication with China.

Both sides expressed deep concern over the North Korean regime's persistence in diverting limited resources to illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which worsens the suffering and human rights abuses of its people. They agreed to strengthen cooperation between South Korea and the United States to raise awareness of North Korea's human rights situation in the international community and work towards improving human rights in North Korea.

Expressing profound regret that North Korea continues to reject repeated dialogue proposals from the international community, including South Korea, the United States, and Japan, and instead persists in missile provocations while attempting to shift responsibility for heightened tensions to external factors, they urged North Korea to promptly return to the path of denuclearization dialogue.