1. The High-Level Policy Consultation between the IAEA and the ROK was held at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul on June 17 to discuss issues of mutual concern, including dealing with the North Korean nuclear issue within the IAEA, ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in safeguards and verification, and progress in improving the IAEA safeguards system to enhance nuclear non-proliferation-related ability.

o The high-level policy consultation was held between Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs of the ROK Shin Dong-ik and Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Safeguards of the IAEA Herman Nackaerts.

2. On the North Korean nuclear issue, the ROK side noted with appreciation the IAEA’s active support for the ROK government’s efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, and requested the IAEA, the world’s nuclear watchdog, continue to play a constructive role in verifying North Korea’s nuclear program. The IAEA side said that even after the IAEA inspectors’ withdrawal from North Korea in April 2009, the agency has maintained preparedness for their return to North Korea. The two sides agreed to closely communicate and consult on developments regarding North Korea’s nuclear activities and the verification of its nuclear program.

3. The IAEA side explained that the agency is pursuing the “state-level approach” for safeguards to improve the IAEA’s ability to respond to suspicious nuclear activities by countries of proliferation concern. The ROK side expressed its support for the safeguards approach. The two sides noted that the application of IAEA safeguards to the ROK is being managed effectively through the shared use of equipment and information, and decided to continue related cooperation.


                    Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation