Japan-Republic of Korea Relations
Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
On September 3, commencing at 6 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk with H.E. Ms. Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROK. The overview of the telephone talk is as follows.
1. Minister Kono expressed the view that the latest nuclear test by North Korea is a direct challenge to the international community from head on, along with stating that the test constitutes an entirely new threat to the safety of the region, including Japan, and it will be essential for the international community as a whole to apply maximum pressure on North Korea, including a more powerful United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution. Minister Kono stated that he will seek greater roles from China and Russia in order to increase pressure on North Korea.
2. The two foreign ministers confirmed that Japan and the ROK and Japan, the ROK and the United States will continue to collaborate closely, including in their responses on the security front and at the UNSC, based on the recognition that now is the time to increase pressure.