1. Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Kim Hong-kyun held ROK-U.S. High-level Sanctions Meeting with Special Representative for North Korea Policy Sung Kim and Sanctions Policy Coordinator Daniel Fried of the US Department of State in Seoul on March 21. The two sides reviewed overall ROK-U.S. sanctions/pressure policies, and had an in-depth discussion on ways to increase full-court pressure on North Korea.

2. The ROK and the US reaffirmed their aim to make an environment in which North Korea has no choice but to change through enhanced pressure on North Korea. To that end, they will continue to coordinate efforts to maximize pressure on North Korea by effectively employing three sets of measures: (i) faithful implementation of UNSCR; (ii) unilateral sanctions by major countries; (iii) pressure of the international community.

° The ROK and the US will enhance cooperation with China and Russia to faithfully implement the UN Security Council Resolution 2270, and will make multifaceted efforts with their partners to help the capacity-building of individual countries in implementing the resolution.

- The ROK and the US noted China for stating its firm position that it will fully and faithfully implement the Security Council resolution, and agreed to continue to communicate with China to enhance the effectiveness of the Security Council resolution.

° The ROK and the US will continue their close coordination in order to reinforce the effectiveness of the Security Council Resolution 2270 through the implementation of the ROK’s unilateral sanctions on North Korea and the US North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act.

- The US side explained that its North Korea Sanctions Act and the Executive Order provide legal basis for taking strong and effective measures: (i) sanctions on specific sectors of the North Korean economy such as transportation/mining/energy/financial services(“sectoral ban”); (ii) sanctions on transactions with North Korea involving mineral resources; (iii) sanctions on the exportation of workers from North Korea. The US side expressed its willingness to actively implement the Act and the E.O.

° The ROK and the US shared the view that it is important for the international community to send a firm message to North Korea in one voice regarding its provocations and nuclear development in order to induce North Korea to change its attitude. To this end, they will make various efforts in cooperation with the international community to strengthen pressure on North Korea, including the hiring of North Korean workers and blocking the North Korean regime’s sources of foreign currency.

3. North Korea, flagrantly challenging the collective will of the international community reflected in the Security Council Resolution 2270, has launched ballistic missiles and has continued to threaten additional provocations. The ROK and the US made clear that North Korea will face a stronger response from the international community, including the ROK and the US, if it carries out additional provocations.


* unofficial translation