1. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State John Kerry on February 7. The two top diplomats shared assessments of the situation where North Korea had added another provocation to its nuclear test on January 6 by launching a long-range missile on the morning of February 7. In addition, they discussed a full range of ways for the Republic of Korea and the United States to work together in pressuring North Korea, including by seeking UN Security Council measures and imposing effective bilateral sanctions.

2. North Korea committed the provocation of launching a long-range missile while the UN Security Council was in discussion on a resolution over its nuclear test. The Minister and the Secretary agreed to make multifaceted diplomatic efforts to translate the international condemnation for North Korea’s provocations into tough sanctions from the international community.

° The two ministers agreed to draw up specific follow-up measures by building on dialogues among the Presidents of the ROK, the US and China as well as various high-level consultations.

3. With an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council set to take place on February 7, New York time (February 8, Seoul time), at the joint request of the ROK, the US and Japan, the Minister and the Secretary agreed to make necessary efforts together with key countries involved to accelerate the ongoing discussions on a Security Council resolution.

4. The two ministers shared the view that as demonstrated by the course in the lead-up to the resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, in addition to a UN Security Council resolution, major countries of the international community should impose various unilateral sanctions and adopt measures to put pressure on North Korea in a show of the united, firm resolve of the international community.

° The two sides agreed to use such occasions as Minister Yun’s visit to the UN and the two ministers’ attendance at the upcoming Munich Security Conference to further strengthen the solidarity with the countries that are reviewing possible bilateral sanctions on North Korea.

5. With regard to North Korea’s provocation of launching a long-range missile, Secretary Kerry reaffirmed the airtight US commitment to the defense of the ROK, adding that the US will take every necessary measure to safeguard the security of US allies and respond to North Korea’s provocation. Minister Yun suggested that the two allies, considering North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities and its intention behind the additional provocation, maintain a firm security posture.

6. Since North Korea’s nuclear test on January 6, Minister Yun and Secretary Kerry have held four rounds of talks over the phone. The two top diplomats agreed to continue follow-up consultations, including their meeting on February 12 on the sides of the Munich Security Conference.


* unofficial translation