KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 — The Asean Regional Forum (ARF) members have called for the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and international efforts to achieve the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
Malaysia as Asean chair issued a statement at the 32nd ARF, saying all members expressed grave concern over the recent surge in North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile testing and ballistic missile launches, as well as the increased tension on the Korean Peninsula, threatening peace and stability.
“The forum expressed concern over the recent developments on the Korean Peninsula and stressed the importance of resuming peaceful dialogue among all concerned parties in order to realise lasting peace and stability in a denuclearised Korean Peninsula,” it said in the statement issued today.
Hence, it said that diplomatic efforts, including the creation of a conducive environment for peaceful dialogue among all concerned parties, should remain a priority.
The Asean chair said all ARF members reiterated their readiness to play a constructive role, including through Asean-led platforms such as the ARF, to promote an atmosphere conducive to peaceful dialogue between the parties.
Some ministers also emphasised the importance of addressing humanitarian issues of the international community, including the immediate resolution of abduction and detainee cases.
The call for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula stems from ongoing global concerns over North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme, which continues to pose a major threat to regional and international peace and security.
The ARF comprises Asean members and dialogue partners, including Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.
South Korean Foreign Vice-Minister I Park Yoon Joo attended the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, while North Korea did not participate in the ARF, marking its first absence since joining the forum in 2000.
— Bernama
