Yoon: "Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Threatens Security and Peace... International Cooperation Must Be Strengthened"

20th Anniversary High-Level Meeting of the Proliferation Security Initiative Video Message
Severe Security Environment, North Korea's Nuclear and Missile Development Funding
South Korea Actively Cooperates to Uphold International Order

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 30th that strong international cooperation is necessary to respond to the threat of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including North Korea's nuclear and missile development.

President Yoon made these remarks in a video message sent to the 20th anniversary high-level meeting of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) held in Jeju on the same day.

President Yoon emphasized, "The proliferation of WMD, which can cause massive casualties, poses a serious threat to international peace and security," adding, "In a situation where North Korea's unprecedented nuclear and missile provocations make strengthening the international non-proliferation regime and preventing WMD proliferation even more important, I consider the holding of the PSI high-level meeting to be meaningful."

He continued, "Despite the efforts of the international community, the WMD threat is growing, and the international security environment is becoming more severe," pointing out, "North Korea continues to illegally procure materials and funds necessary for nuclear and missile development despite UN Security Council sanctions."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He then said, "To respond to this, our cooperation must become even stronger," adding, "The government of the Republic of Korea will actively cooperate with the partner countries present here to contribute to humanity's freedom, peace, and prosperity and to uphold the international order based on international law and norms."

Furthermore, he added, "Through the successful hosting of this meeting, I hope that we can all take one step closer toward the common goal of peace and prosperity."

The PSI is an international cooperative framework launched in May 2003, led by the United States, to prevent the illegal proliferation of WMD, their delivery means, and related materials, with a total of 106 countries participating.

At the high-level meeting on this day, a joint statement was adopted, calling for participating countries to seek ways to respond to new challenges such as the emergence of new technologies and changes in the security environment on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of its launch.