Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

President Park Geun-hye holds telephone conversations with

President Obama and Prime Minister Abe, reconfirms policy of close cooperation

 

 

Korea, the US and Japan have made it clear that they will respond strongly to North Korea's provocative action of its 4th nuclear test.

 

Through their telephone conversation on the morning of Jan. 7, Korean President Park Geun-hye and US President Barack Obama reaffirmed their shared belief that as Korea and the US as well as the international community have given North Korea several warnings that their nuclear tests cannot be overlooked, N. Korea should now pay the cost, and confirmed that the two countries would closely cooperate in presenting a strong resolution to the UN Security Council. President Obama particularly stressed the need to execute powerful and comprehensive restrictions, and promised that the US would cooperate with Korea to achieve this.

 

President Park replied, “I truly appreciate you reconfirming the firm security policy regarding Korea, and your expression of your will to deal with N. Korea regarding their nuclear test. I’m looking forward to closely cooperating at the UN Security Council and other places in future.” She also commented that the fact that both the Korean and the US government had rapidly issued statements of condemnation and been cooperating closely shows the strength of the alliance between Korea and the US.

 

As the two leaders had reached an understanding at a summit held in October of last year, they decided to make progress on various actions to solve the N. Korean nuclear issue, dealing with it as a priority with a firm will. As well, the leaders shared their view on the need for Korea-US-Japan cooperation and mutual assistance with China and other countries to cope with N. Korean nuclear issues, including the nuclear test.

 

President Obama called President Park first at 9:55 AM, and the conversation lasted for 20 min, which included a discussion related to the N. Korean nuclear test and further responsive actions.

 

Cheongwadae said that President Obama called to reassure President Park that the US will take all measures necessary to protect the safety of Korea as an allied country, as the N. Korean nuclear test compromises stability in the region and violates its responsibilities under the UN mandate and six-party nuclear talks, and that he also reaffirmed his nation's pledge to defend Korea.

 

The following afternoon, President Park made a phone call to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discussed cooperative actions that can be pursued by the two countries in relation to N. Korea's 4th nuclear test.

 

During this 15-minute call, which took place from 4:40 to 4:55 pm, the two leaders shared their opinions about the N. Korea nuclear test situation, the strong restrictions of the international community such as the UN Security Council, cooperative actions and more, and agreed to cooperate with each other.

 

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Jan. 6 (local time), and made a press statement condemning the N. Korean nuclear test.

 

 

By Joo-Hyeong, Lee < jataka@dema.mil.kr >

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