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Global response required over N. Korean missiles able to reach N. America, Europe: NATO chief
By YonhapPublished : Nov. 1, 2017 - 20:27
A global response is required to deal with North Korea's development of long-range missiles that are able to reach North America and Europe, the chief of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization said Wednesday.
"It's a global threat. It's a big challenge for the Republic of Korea being so close. But it's also a challenge for the rest of the world because North Korea is now developing more longer-range missiles able to reach both North America and Europe," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in his meeting with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha.
"This is another example that security is inter-connected and global threats require global responses," the Norwegian politician turned NATO chief noted.
"Therefore we should look into how we can work together on global challenges" like the proliferation of nuclear weapons, terrorism and cybersecurity, he said. "The ROK is one of NATO's longest-standing partners outside Europe and with tension and challenges related to North Korea and many other issues, it's important we are able to strengthen and develop our partnerships."
Kang lauded the military alliance's strong support for South Korea against the backdrop of North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
"This year has been particularly challenging in terms of numerous provocations ... we are certainly very grateful for NATO's strong support in the face of these provocations," she said. "We need that support from the international community in coming to terms with this growing global security threat."
The NATO chief is visiting Seoul to discuss North Korea's nuclear and missile issues as well as partnership with South Korea.
His visit marks the second-ever trip to South Korea by a secretary general of the military alliance organization between North American and European countries.
Also during his meeting with Kang, Stoltenberg said that sanctions, along with political and diplomatic pressure, are the most useful and realistic means to deal with the North's nuclear and missile threats, the foreign ministry said in a press release.
He also stressed the need for the international community to faithfully enforce the sanctions. He, in addition, pointed out the importance of the role of China and Russia in resolving the North Korean conundrum.
The officials also signed an agreement to broaden cooperation between South Korea and NATO on six security fronts.
The revised Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme they signed calls for regular consultation and information sharing on cybersecurity, nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, response to terrorism, disaster relief, and political and military interoperability and connectivity between the two sides, according to the ministry. The signing would help both sides further strengthen the "forward-looking global partnership," the ministry said. (Yonhap)
