Joint press satement on N.K. nuclear test

The Heads of State or Government of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Republic of Korea, gathered in Jeju Island on 1 to 2 June 2009 to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Relations, also discussed recent developments in 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 the DPRK, 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 in maintaining 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 towards an enduring peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula. They encouraged all concerned parties to actively pursue this objective.