Japan-Republic of Korea Relations

1 President Moon stated that he was pleased to have the opportunity to talk on the telephone, that the provocations by North Korea are serious, and that he feels sympathy for the people of Japan who must be worried.

2 In response Prime Minister Abe replied that, today, North Korea launched a ballistic missile, and that it once again made it clear that North Korea is steadily advancing its nuclear and missile development. He added that the missile flew for approximately 50 minutes on a trajectory reaching the highest altitude well exceeding 4,000 kilometers, presumably with the range of ICBM-class. Prime Minister Abe stated that nuclear tests and missiles launches that threaten the security of both Japan and the ROK are totally unacceptable, and that he hopes Japan and the ROK and Japan, the ROK and the United States would respond in a unified manner.

3 The two leaders shared the view that a greater role by China is particularly important, that Japan, the ROK and the United States would work closely to coordinate on further strengthening pressure on North Korea, and that Japan and the ROK would work closely in the Security Council.