1. The second High-level Policy Consultation between the Republic of Korea and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) took place at the ROK Foreign Ministry on June 17. In the meeting, the two sides discussed matters of mutual concern, including the progress made by the IAEA with regard to the Iranian nuclear issue; the IAEA’s efforts to tighten its verification system aimed at nuclear non-proliferation; and ways to step up the ROK-IAEA cooperation on safety measures.

° The meeting took place between Director-General for International Organizations Kim Moon-hwan of the ROK Foreign Ministry and Tero Varjoranta, IAEA Deputy Director-General and Head of the Department of Safeguards.

2. With regard to the North Korean nuclear issue, the ROK side commended the strong support of the IAEA for the ROK government’s efforts to resolve the issue. The delegation asked the IAEA, a key international nuclear non-proliferation regime, to play a constructive role in the verification of the North Korean nuclear programs.

° The IAEA delegation stressed that it has been maintaining the readiness at all times to resume inspection of North Korea’s nuclear programs even after the withdrawal of its inspectors from the country in April 2009. The two sides agreed to continue close consultations on North Korea’s nuclear activities and the verification issue.

3. In addition, the two sides discussed ways to effectively counter the threat of nuclear proliferation and step up bilateral cooperation on safety measures. In this light, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in analyzing the purchasing activities by countries suspected of engaging in proliferation and to further promote the effectiveness and efficiency in applying the IAEA’s safety measures to the ROK. 


                 Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation