Korea, ASEAN Adopt Statement on North Korean Nuclear Test

The following is the full text of a joint press statement on the nuclear test conducted by North Korea, which was adopted at the end of the ASEANKorea Commemorative Summit on Jeju Island from June 1 to 2. -- ED.

The heads of state of the members countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Korea, who gathered on Jeju Island to commemorate the 20th anniversary of ASEAN-Korea relations, discussed recent developments on the Korean Peninsula.

The leaders reiterated the condemnation by the 9th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 17th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting of the recent underground nuclear test and missile launches undertaken by North Korea, which constitute clear violations of the six-party agreements and the relevant UNSC resolutions and decisions.

The leaders stressed that the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue in a peaceful manner is essential to maintaining the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region, and expressed their full support for the resumption of the six-party talks.

The leaders expressed their desire that the ASEAN Regional Forum, as the premier regional security forum that includes ASEAN and all participants of the six-party talks, can contribute toward an enduring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

They encouraged all concerned parties to actively pursue this objective.