DFA chief calls for denuclearization in Korean Peninsula

DFA logo and building facade. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Friday called for the denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula, and reiterated the Philippines’ call for peace and security in the region.

Manalo made the pronouncement after his three day official visit to the Republic of Korea, where he said that he had “fruitful discussions” with Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo, his counterpart Cho Tae-yeol and other key partners and stakeholders.

“The Philippines stands with the Republic of Korea in calling for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. We have consistently maintained a strong position of peace in the Korean Peninsula,” said Manalo in a statement.

According to Manalo, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) or North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile tests, satellite launches using new technology, unlawful military cooperation, among other such actions, are “flagrant violations” of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions.

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“We condemn the DPRK’s intercontinental ballistic missile tests and launches, satellite launches using newly-acquired missile technology, unlawful military cooperation, and other provocative actions which are flagrant violations of UNSC sanctions and only serve to increase tensions and undermine economic progress, peace, and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the greater Indo-Pacific region,” he added.

He then called for the resumption of peaceful dialogue, as well as to continue working towards the “realization of lasting peace and stability in a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.”

“The Philippines will continue to support efforts to secure the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. We have consistently and repeatedly called on the DPRK to comply with its international obligations under relevant UN Security Council resolutions and to commit to constructive and peaceful dialogue with the Republic of Korea,” he said.

Furthermore, Manalo reiterated the country’s readiness to play a constructive role in promoting peaceful dialogue through regional mechanisms, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ regional forum.