Moon to Asean: Send unified message to N. Korea, US for speedy denuclearization talks

BUSAN, South Korea — South Korean President Moon Jae-in has asked the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member states to constantly send a “unified message” to North Korea and the United States on the need for the early resumption of working-level denuclearization talks.

Moon made the call on Tuesday during a special working lunch with the leaders of 10 Southeast Asian countries taking part in the Asean-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit in this port city, according to a release by the South Korean government.

The leaders had “in-depth discussions” on ways to achieve the complete denuclearization of Korea and establish permanent peace, stressing the strategic role of Asean countries as they have maintained close ties with the US and the two Koreas.

Two historic summits between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un took place in Southeast Asia, the statement noted.

On the other hand, South Korea and Asean have agreed to support the complete denuclearization and permanent peace in the Korean peninsula by adopting the joint vision statement for peace, prosperity, and partnership during the summit.

Korea and Asean countries Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam also renewed their commitment to “enhance cooperation in security areas to address traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as transnational crime, terrorism, and violent extremism, and further strengthen cybersecurity cooperation,” among others.

READ: South Korea, Asean agree to promote denuclearization, peace in Korean peninsula

Edited by KGA