The three countries pledged to enforce UN sanctions against Pyongyang as speculation grows over possible talks between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: The United States, South Korea and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearisation of North Korea, as Pyongyang continues to reject calls to abandon its nuclear weapons programme.
The three countries renewed their position during a meeting of their foreign ministers on Friday, October 30, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reaffirmed their “resolute commitment to the complete denuclearisation” of North Korea, according to the US State Department.
The ministers also pledged the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, including measures aimed at preventing financial support for North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
Three countries reiterate sanctions commitment
The latest statement highlights continued coordination between Washington, Seoul and Tokyo over North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities.
Despite years of international sanctions, Pyongyang has maintained its nuclear weapons programme and formally established its status as a nuclear-armed state in domestic law.
North Korean authorities have repeatedly described the country’s nuclear arsenal as permanent and irreversible, rejecting demands for disarmament.
Trump signals openness to talks with Kim Jong Un
The diplomatic statement comes amid speculation about a possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China.
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in resuming nuclear negotiations with Pyongyang. During his first presidential term, he held several high-profile meetings with Kim, but those engagements did not produce a lasting agreement on denuclearisation.
The US president has also indicated that he remains open to meeting the North Korean leader again. However, no meeting has been confirmed.
South Korea proposes a possible alternative approach
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has repeatedly offered to hold talks with Pyongyang without preconditions.
In September, Lee suggested that Washington could consider seeking a freeze on North Korea’s nuclear programme rather than demanding its immediate elimination, potentially in exchange for sanctions relief.
Critics argue that such an arrangement could effectively recognise North Korea as a nuclear-armed state while allowing it to retain its existing weapons.
The debate reflects the diplomatic challenges facing countries seeking to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities while keeping negotiations open.
Pyongyang rejects international pressure
North Korea has continued to reject international efforts to change its nuclear policy.
In a statement reported on Saturday, Pyongyang criticised a joint declaration by countries monitoring the implementation of sanctions against it.
It maintained that sanctions imposed by the United States and Western countries would not change its position as a nuclear weapons state.
