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At a pivotal ASEAN-led summit on regional security, South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Park Jin, has called for a united international stance against North Korea’s ongoing nuclear weapons program. The summit, held in Seoul on Friday, gathered representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) along with key global partners, including the United States, Japan, and China.
In his address, Minister Park emphasized the urgent need for a cohesive response to the escalating threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. “We must present a united front and coordinate our strategies to address the nuclear challenge posed by North Korea,” Park asserted. He underscored that North Korea’s recent missile tests and nuclear advancements not only jeopardize regional stability but also threaten global security.
The summit’s discussions centred on the increasing provocations by North Korea and the international community’s response. Minister Park advocated for enhanced sanctions and diplomatic efforts to deter Pyongyang from further escalating its nuclear program. He also called for greater support for initiatives aimed at resuming meaningful dialogue with North Korea to achieve denuclearization.
The gathering saw broad support for Park’s position, with many participating countries echoing the need for a unified approach. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who attended the summit, affirmed the importance of collective action and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to working with allies to address North Korea’s threats.
The ASEAN-led summit, marked by its focus on security and cooperation, highlighted the critical role of multilateral efforts in managing regional challenges. As the international community grapples with North Korea’s provocations, the call for a united stance underscores the complex dynamics of achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.