30 July 2011

USA: Conclusion of Meetings with The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)

Following the first round of denuclearization talks between the nuclear negotiators of the Republic of Korea and the DPRK, the United States invited North Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-Gwan to New York. The U.S. interagency delegation, led by Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth, and the DPRK delegation concluded their two-day discussions today.

As the United States said from the beginning, these discussions were to explore the willingness of North Korea to take concrete and irreversible steps toward denuclearization. In that regard, these were constructive and business-like discussions. The United States reiterated that the path is open to North Korea towards the resumption of talks, improved relations with the United States, and greater regional stability if North Korea demonstrates through actions that it supports the resumption of the Six-Party process as a committed and constructive partner.

Before deciding on next steps to resume the process, the United States will consult closely with the Republic of Korea and other partners in the Six-Party Talks.