TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong on Friday agreed to respond resolutely to North Korea’s launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile the previous day.

During their 20-minute talks over the telephone, the two strongly criticized the missile firing and confirmed that the three nations of Japan, South Korea and the United States will take a resolute attitude toward Pyongyang.

The ministers were also in agreement that North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs are a clear and serious challenge to the international community.

They agreed to aim for North Korea’s complete denuclearization based on U.N. Security Council resolutions.

On Thursday, Hayashi held phone talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to confirm that they will cooperate closely in response to the missile launch.

After Friday’s talks with Chung, Hayashi told reporters that Tokyo hopes to work together with the United States and South Korea, as well as any other willing nations, including through high-level talks.

JIJI Press