N. Korean provocations prove S. Korea, US moving in right direction: Amb. Cho
2024-05-29 05:26:22

This <strong></strong>photo released on Nov. 19, by the North Korean government shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, left, inspects what it says a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile at Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, Nov. 18. UPI-Yonhap
This photo released on Nov. 19, by the North Korean government shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, left, inspects what it says a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile at Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, Nov. 18. UPI-Yonhap

South Korea and the United States are moving in the right direction when dealing with North Korea, South Korea's ambassador to the U.S. Cho Tae-yong insisted Monday, arguing North Korea's recent rhetoric against the allies prove the effectiveness of their joint efforts.

Cho made the remarks while meeting with reporters in Washington, about 10 days after Pyongyang staged its 10th intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test of the year.

"North Korea's sharp reaction is an evidence that the efforts by South Korea and the U.S. are making progress," Cho told the meeting, noting the North has fired an annual record of 63 ballistic missiles this year, far exceeding the previous record of 25 in 2019.

This photo released on Nov. 19, by the North Korean government shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, left, inspects what it says a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile at Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, Nov. 18. UPI-Yonhap
South Korean Ambassador to the United States Cho Tae-yong speaking to reporters in Washington, in this Oct. 28 photo. Yonhap

"South Korea and the U.S. are working very closely together where they immediately share information on any provocation that takes place and hold consultation on counter actions," the South Korean diplomat added.

Cho said the allies are also working to further strengthen the U.S. extended deterrence.

North Korea has blamed U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises for provoking its recent missile launches, accusing them of being war rehearsals.

The South Korean ambassador dismissed the North Korean claim that Pyongyang's missile tests had been provoked, saying it will not win any response or support from the international community.

Seoul and Washington have said their joint military drills are "purely defensive in nature."

Amb. Cho reiterated that Seoul still remains open to dialogue with Pyongyang.

"As the government explained in detail under its audacious plan, should North Korea return to the dialogue with sincerity, we too will engage in dialogue aimed at improving the countries' relations and establishing a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula," he said. (Yonhap)


(作者:新闻中心)