Top US diplomat for East Asia policy discusses denuclearization, trade with Seoul officials
(VOVWORLD) - South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the top US diplomat for East Asia policy met in Seoul with South Korea's chief nuclear envoy Saturday for discussions on a range of pending issues, including North Korea.
 Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, arrives at the international airport in Seoul, RoK on August 25, 2022. (Photo: Yonhap/VNA) |
Daniel Kritenbrink, the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, held the talks with Kim Gunn, special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, and reaffirmed their commitment toward the denuclearization of North Korea.
Kritenbrink also reaffirmed Washington’s strong support for President Yoon Suk-yeol’s initiative to support improvement of North Korea’s economy in return for its actions for denuclearization.
The officials also agreed to maintain a firm readiness posture and take stern measures against any additional provocations from the North.
Kritenbrink arrived in South Korea on Thursday for a three-day visit. His trip comes as Seoul and Washington on Monday kicked off Ulchi Freedom Shield - the allies' largest annual military drills in years - amid concerns that Pyongyang could respond with provocations.