ARF Members Call For Complete Denuclearisation Of Korean Peninsula 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) members have called for the full implementation of all relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and international efforts to achieve the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

According to the ASEAN Chairman’s statement of the 32nd ARF, 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, which are worrying developments that threaten peace and stability in the region.

“The meeting 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 a statement Saturday.

Hence, it said that diplomatic efforts, including the creation of a conducive environment for peaceful dialogue among all concerned parties, should remain a priority.

It said all ARF members reiterated their readiness to play a constructive role, including through ASEAN-led platforms such as the ARF, to promote a conducive atmosphere for peaceful dialogue among the concerned parties.

Some ministers also emphasised the importance of addressing humanitarian issues of the international community, including the immediate resolution of abduction and detainee cases, it added.

The call for the complete 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 member states and dialogue partners, including Australia, Canada, China, the European Union (EU), India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Other participating countries include Bangladesh, North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste.

South Korea’s First Vice-Foreign Minister, Park Yoon Joo attended the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, while North Korea did not participate in the ARF, marking its first absence since joining the forum in 2000.

-- BERNAMA