Outcome of ROK-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conversation

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul held a subsequent telephone conversation with Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa on Thursday, June 20 in New York, following his call with the U.S. Secretary of State to discuss their response to the outcome of the Russia-North Korea Summit.

The two ministers expressed grave concern, defining the decision by Russia and North Korea to enhance mutual military and economic cooperation through the “Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” as a significant threat to the security of both the ROK and Japan, as well as to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader region.

Minister Cho emphasized that any cooperation that directly or indirectly enhances North Korea's military capabilities clearly violates UN Security Council resolutions. He outlined the ROK government's undertaking and stressed close coordination between the ROK and Japan, as well as trilaterally with the U.S. to lead a resolute response by the international community. Minister Kamikawa expressed strong agreement with Minister Cho's explanation.

The two ministers agreed to maintain close communication and continue strengthening trilateral security cooperation between the ROK, the U.S., and Japan to effectively respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and Russia-North Korea military cooperation.