[Anchor]
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the Trump administration is still aiming for the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea.
Speaking after talks with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts in Seoul, Pompeo said there would be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang before that.
Ron Chang reports.
[Reporter]
Pompeo stressed the importance of Washington's ironclad alliance with Seoul and Tokyo in achieving the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
[Clip]
"The world should rest assure that the United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan remain committed to achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea."
Pompeo said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appears to understand the urgency behind the process.
He also stressed that trilateral cooperation between the three allies is "crucial to the effectiveness" of the denuclearization process.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, meanwhile, said the issue of possibly suspending joint military drills will be decided through consultations between South Korean and U.S. defense authorities.
Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono also weighed in, saying the U.S. Forces Korea should continue to play a key role in regional deterrence and stability.
Ron Chang, eFM News.■
Please send comments to tbsefmnews@gmail.com / copyright © tbs. Unauthorized redistribution prohibited.
