US, SKorea, Japan look to push diplomacy with DPRK

Washington: The U.S. special representative for North Korea Sung Kim will meet with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts at the State Department Tuesday to continue talks on North Korea's missile and nuclear development.

The trilateral meeting will include Kim, South Korea's Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Noh Kyu-duk and Japanese Director-General for Asian and Oceanian affairs Takehiro Funakoshi.

Speaking to reporters at the State Department Monday evening, Kim underscored Washington's "strong commitment to working closely" with its allies and partners to achieve the "complete denuclearization and a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula."

Kim said the three countries are open to diplomacy with North Korea "to make tangible progress that increases the security of the United States and our allies."

"This includes considering potential engagement with the DPRK to reduce tensions," he said.

The diplomat said he will also visit Seoul later this week for talks with his South Korean counterpart on ways to restart dialogue with the reclusive North.

Japan and South Korea have been trying to improve ties since President Joe Biden took office calling for stronger three-way cooperation in the face of North Korean nuclear threats and challenges posed by China.