Asia-Pacific

ROK vows to bring DPRK's uranium enrichment issue to UN

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-01-15 22:05

SEOUL - The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s President Lee Myung-bak said Saturday that the issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s uranium enrichment program should be brought to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The remark came as Lee met with visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara late Saturday, according to Seoul's presidential office Cheong Wa Dae.

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During the meeting, Lee and Maehara exchanged views on issues related to the DPRK and relations between Seoul and Tokyo.

In response, Maehara said his country firmly supports Seoul's position, Cheong Wa Dae said in a press release.

The two sides agreed that it is important for the DPRK to change its attitude with sincerity for the resumption of the six- party talks, the presidential office said.

The two also pledged to continue close cooperative relationship between the two nations and with the United States.

Meanwhile, Maehara conveyed Prime Minister Naoto Kan's invitation for Lee to visit Japan. Lee accepted Kan's invitation, saying that the date of the visit will be discussed by related agencies of both governments, Cheong Wa Dae said.

The top Japanese diplomat also stressed the importance of forging a free trade agreement between the two nations, which he said will benefit the bilateral relationship, hoping to reopen related negotiations at an early date, according to Cheong Wa Dae.

Maehara arrived here earlier in the day for his first visit to Seoul since taking office last September.