“Our goal remains the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula,” Kim said. “That’s why Pyongyang’s recent ballistic missile test, one of several in the past six weeks, is concerning and counterproductive to making progress toward a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.”
Pyongyang so far has rejected U.S. overtures, accusing Washington and Seoul of talking diplomacy while ratcheting up tensions with their own military activities.
That launch violated multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and poses a threat to North Korea’s neighbours and the international community, Kim said.
“We call on the DPRK to cease these provocations and other destabilising activities and instead engage in dialogue,” he said, using the initials of North Korea’s official name. “We remain ready to meet with DPRK without preconditions and we have made clear that the United States harbours no hostile intent toward DPRK.”
South Korean nuclear envoy Noh Kyu-duk said Sunday’s talks with Kim had included “serious” discussion of Seoul’s proposal to formally declare an end to the state of war that has technically existed since the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
South Korean officials see such a declaration as a gesture of goodwill to get talks started.
Kim said Washington was discussing ways to make progress with North Korea, including the South’s end-of-war proposal and possible humanitarian aid projects. (Reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by William Mallard)
Reuters
Photo US Special Representative for North Korea, Sung Kim (R) and South Korea’s Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Noh Kyu-duk (L) attend a briefing after their meeting at a hotel in Seoul, South Korea, 24 October 2021. EPA-EFE/Ahn Young-joon / POOL
