[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, urged North Korea to resume dialogue for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula at the United Nations Disarmament Conference.
On the 23rd (local time), Vice Minister Choi participated online in the high-level session and emphasized, "The peace process on the Korean Peninsula is our continuous commitment to achieving complete denuclearization and establishing lasting peace in Northeast Asia," adding, "We have continuously attempted diplomatic efforts to engage North Korea together with the United States and other parties."
He stated, "The September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement, although at a basic level, presented tactical arms control, rebuilding the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as a relatively stable buffer zone and allowing relevant parties to focus on advancing the denuclearization process," and added, "In this context, we request North Korea to respond to our call for resuming dialogue."
In particular, he said, "Preparing for the 10th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) this coming August and looking ahead to the next 50 years, our government demands that other countries engage in genuine dialogue to achieve the common goal of a world free of nuclear weapons under the NPT."
He continued, "We will continue to cooperate with our allies and partners to achieve the shared goal of complete denuclearization through peaceful means," and stated, "In the process, we expect the unwavering support of the international community."
Meanwhile, he expressed a welcoming stance on the recent extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (NEW START) between the United States and Russia.
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