Japan-Republic of Korea Relations
Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
On August 29, commencing at around 3:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Kono Taro, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a foreign ministers’ telephone talk with H.E. Ms. Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The overview is as follows.
1. Minister Kono stated that today’s ballistic missile launch by North Korea which flew over Japan is an unprecedented, grave and serious threat to Japan’s security. In response, Minister Kang stated that it is an extremely grave situation and that the ROK shares the insecurity that the Japanese people must have felt this morning as a result of this situation.
2. The two ministers shared the recognition that these repeated provocations by North Korea are totally unacceptable, and confirmed that the international community needs to increase pressure on North Korea. Both ministers shared the view that, in order to lead the international community to increase pressure on North Korea, Japan and the ROK, and Japan, the United States, and the ROK will continue to collaborate closely, including at the United Nations. The two ministers also confirmed that they will continue to urge China and Russia to play greater roles.