1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha had a meeting with United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi on the morning of January 14, and exchanged views on ways for the three countries to work together on the North Korean nuclear issue, as well as the developments in Northeast Asia and the current situation in the Middle East.

o The three sides assessed North Korea’s statements so far since the ROK-U.S.-Japan foreign ministerial meeting held on the margins of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) last year, and stressed once again the importance of collaboration among the ROK, the U.S. and Japan in diplomatic efforts to make substantive progress on the North Korean nuclear issue.

o In addition, the three sides shared their concern over the rising tensions in the Middle East, and agreed to seek ways to strengthen communication and cooperation among the three countries, including sharing information on the issue.