1. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha spoke by phone with her Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan on June 4. They shared developments regarding preparations for the US-North Korea summit, and discussed ways the two countries can work together.

2. The two Ministers shared the view that the US-North Korea summit is a very important opportunity to achieve complete denuclearization and establish a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, and agreed to exert their best diplomatic efforts to ensure the success of the US-North Korea summit.

o Minister Kang took note of Singapore’s active efforts to make a success of the US-North Korea summit, and asked for Minister Balakrishnan’s special interest and efforts to make sure that good results come out of the upcoming US-North Korea summit, drawing the attention of the whole world.

o Minister Balakrishnan said that he fully agrees with Minister Kang, and expressed appreciation to the ROK side for sharing its experience and know-how regarding hosting the inter-Korean summit that has been held twice. He also said that his country will make active efforts towards the success of the US-North Korea summit, as there is not much time left until the summit.

3. The two Ministers shared the view that it is important to continue to strengthen the momentum for dialogue even after the US-North Korea summit, and agreed to closely cooperate to make substantive progress in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue, making best use of ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ meetings in early August and other occasions.

o Minister Kang especially looked forward to active interest and cooperation from Singapore, this year’s ASEAN chair. Minister Balakrishnan said that his country will provide active cooperation to ensure that constructive discussions on the Korean Peninsula issue take place.

* unofficial translation