1. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha spoke by phone with her Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland on December 1. They assessed the situation regarding North Korea’s long-range ballistic missile launch, and discussed ways to respond to it.

2. The two Ministers expressed serious concern over the North Korean provocation, and agreed to step up cooperation between the ROK and Canada in continuing all the diplomatic efforts, including strong sanctions and pressure, to deter North Korea from developing nuclear and missile capabilities.

o Minister Freeland stressed the importance of continuing to work to find a diplomatic solution to the North Korean nuclear issue, and said that as part of such efforts, her country, in consultation with countries concerned, is working to hold a foreign ministerial meeting.

o Minister Kang expressed support for Canada’s such efforts, and said that the ROK will actively work together to make sure that the meeting can contribute to solving the North Korean nuclear problem in a peaceful manner. She also offered to continue to consult on the details of the meeting.


* unofficial translation