Seoul, 15 January 2022 (TDI): Secretary of State of America Antony J. Blinken talked with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Chung Eui-yong. Secretary Blinken reiterated that the US-ROK Alliance is the foundation of Indo-Pacific peace, security, and prosperity.
Secretary Blinken criticized the DPRK’s recent ballistic missile launches, for violating several UN Security Council resolutions. Further, he accentuated the need for sustained US-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation and emphasized the US commitment to the ROK’s security.
They also talked about working together to achieve total denuclearization and long-term peace on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, they also emphasized the significance of ongoing collaboration and rapid action in order to eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foreign Minister Chung and Secretary Blinken @SecBlinken spoke today and agreed to continue close coordination on maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. The minister and the secretary also discussed the growing importance of the ROK-U.S. Alliance as the two
— MOFA (@MOFAkr_eng) January 15, 2022
The Secretary highlighted the brutality of the Burmese military regime towards the Burmese people, as well as the unlawful detention of Aung San Suu Kyi’s, the conviction, and punishment. He expressed his support for the implementation of the ASEAN Five Point Consensus.
Secretary Blinken also emphasized the US government’s unflinching support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as measures to dissuade provocative activities.
US Special Representative for DPRK talks on Asian and Oceania Affairs
While on January 11, US Special Representative for the DPRK Sung Kim spoke separately with the Director-General of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Asian and Oceania Affairs Bureau Funakoshi Takehiro, and ROK Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Noh Kyu-duk to discuss bilateral and trilateral cooperation in the aftereffects of the DPRK’s recent ballistic missile launches.
Special Representative Kim analyzed the current situation on the Korean Peninsula in his discussions with Special Representative Noh and Director-General Funakoshi and emphasized the United States’ commitment to making progress toward the common objective of full denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Special Representative Kim reiterated the US criticism of the DPRK’s ballistic missile launches which has violated several UN Security Council resolutions. He urged the DPRK to abstain from destabilizing acts and asked DPRK to join the mutual discussion with the US.
Special Representative Kim emphasized the United States’ continued willingness to engage in conversation and diplomacy with the DPRK. He also reaffirmed Washington’s unwavering support for its allies, especially the Republic of Korea and Japan. The talks on January 11 were the most recent in a series of communication between the three since January 5.
