1. Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Lee Do-hoon met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of Asia-Pacific affairs Igor Morgulov in Moscow on February 1 for a meeting of the ROK and Russian top negotiators at the Six-Party Talks.

2. Special Representative Lee explained in detail the latest developments in inter-Korean talks. The Russian side reaffirmed its support for the ROK government’s efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula by improving inter-Korean relations, and expressed hope that the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games will be held safely and successfully, becoming a “peace Olympics.”

3. The two sides shared their assessments of the situation on the Korean Peninsula after the North Korean leader’s New Year’s address, and agreed to work together to maintain the positive momentum created by the latest improvements in inter-Korean relations, and to make sure that such improvements will lead to a range of dialogues to solve the North Korean nuclear problem, including US-North Korea dialogues.

o The two sides also shared the view that it is important to continue efforts to bring North Korea back to the table for meaningful dialogues, while continuing to faithfully implement sanctions on North Korea, including Security Council resolutions.

4. The two sides reaffirmed their firm principles of no tolerance for a nuclear North Korea, and a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, and took note that the ROK and Russia have been holding consultations closer than ever on issues on the Korean Peninsula. They also agreed to continue close communications at various levels.

* unofficial translation