Korea-US-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers "Strongly Condemn North Korea's Provocative Acts"

Vice Minister Kim "Strengthening Korea-US-Japan Security Cooperation"
Expresses Concern Over Reports of North Korea's Troop Deployment to Ukraine Conflict

The deputy foreign ministers of South Korea, the United States, and Japan strongly condemned North Korea's acts of escalating tensions, including the demolition of inter-Korean connecting roads and claims of drone infiltration into Pyongyang on the 16th.

Kim Hong-gyun (center), First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kurt Campbell (right), U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, and Masataka Okano, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, are attending the "14th Korea-U.S.-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers' Meeting" held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 16th, posing for a commemorative photo. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Kim Hong-kyun, First Vice Foreign Minister of South Korea, Kurt Campbell, U.S. Under Secretary of State, and Masataka Okano, Administrative Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, made these remarks at a press conference following the 14th South Korea-U.S.-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Seoul that afternoon.

In his opening remarks, Vice Minister Kim stated, "We strongly condemned North Korea's continued nuclear and missile threats, the complete severance of inter-Korean land routes, and intentional acts of tension such as claims of drone infiltration." He added, "We will maintain a robust South Korea-U.S. combined posture and respond firmly to North Korean provocations, while strengthening security cooperation under close South Korea-U.S.-Japan coordination."

He continued, "We strongly condemn the illegal military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, which seriously undermines peace and security in the region and Europe," emphasizing, "We reaffirmed the solidarity and support of South Korea, the U.S., and Japan for Ukraine."

Under Secretary Campbell also expressed, "We were very surprised by North Korea's provocations," and praised, "At the same time, I want to commend South Korea's response as very cautious, steady, and balanced. I believe it was an appropriate approach."

He further added, "Ultimately, we support the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula."

Meanwhile, the three deputy ministers stated that they are working toward holding a trilateral summit within this year.

Under Secretary Campbell explained, "We agreed to institutionalize the trilateral cooperation path we started," and said, "I expect the three deputy ministers will meet as early as 2025."

They also reiterated concerns over reports that North Korea sent troops to assist Russia, which recently invaded Ukraine.

Vice Minister Kim expressed concern, saying, "If reports of North Korean troop dispatch are true, it would be a very serious matter as North Korea would be directly participating in the war in addition to providing shells and missiles to Russia."

Under Secretary Campbell also stated, "We are seeing increased material and other support from North Korea to Russia, which is being used in the military campaign against Ukraine," adding, "North Korea's material support to Russia is progressing to the extent that its impact can actually be felt on the battlefield."

The South Korea-U.S.-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers' Meeting is a regular forum held to discuss cooperation measures on North Korea's nuclear issues and regional and global matters.