Ministry of Foreign Affairs had conversation with U.S and Japan regarding North Korean nuclear weapon.

On January 1, Kim Geon, the chief negotiator for peace on the Korean Peninsula, held three-way talks with Sung Kim, the U.S. special representative for North Korea, and Takehiro Funakoshi, Japan's chief nuclear envoy.

The three chief delegates strongly condemned North Korea's launch of ballistic missiles at the beginning of the new year and lamented that North Korea is starting a new year with illegal acts that violate numerous Security Council resolutions.

The delegates stressed that North Korea's announcement of the results of the Workers' Party Central Committee meetingis absurd to say that they will strengthentheir self-defense capabilities in response to the isolationist oppression.

Regarding Pyongyang's comment to continue its provocations this year, the three countries emphasized that the North Korea's provocations will deepen its isolation, confront a stronger jointsecurity cooperation between Seoul, Washington, Tokyo, and the international community.

The delegatesmentioned that the only way for North Korea to ease its people's suffering in a dire economic situation is to stop provocations, return to dialogue, restore exchanges with the international community, and use the wasted resources and funds to stabilize people's livelihoods.

The delegates reaffirmed that the room for dialogue with North Korea is always open. Based on the "bold initiative," Director Kim said that he would continue to push for comprehensive efforts to stop North Korean provocations and drive its return to dialogue, and the U.S. and Japan reaffirmed their strong support for it.