By UN Journal Kayla Lee

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik met with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on April 15 and discussed North Korea policy coordination and major security issues.

According to the ministry, Shin praised Thomas-Greenfield for playing a key role in responding to violations of UN sanctions and human rights issues in North Korea.

Noting that South Korea and Japan are jointly serving as non-permanent members of the U.N. Security Council this year, Shin said he looks forward to cooperation in various fields at the Security Council level with the United States, a permanent member.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield noted that North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile advancement is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and an illegal act that undermines universal values of the international community.

She also explained that a Russian veto prevented the extension of the term of the UN Security Council's Panel of Experts on North Korea Sanctions Committee, which could create a gap in the implementation of sanctions and provide an opportunity for North Korea to upgrade its nuclear and missile programs.

Ambassador Thomas Greenfield also explained that the United States is working on alternatives to ensure that credible reports on North Korean sanctions violations continue to be available, and expressed her expectation of close cooperation with South Korea and other friendly countries.

Both sides expressed concern about the growing instability in the international security situation and recognized the importance of the U.S.-ROK alliance for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, the region, and the world.

The two sides also noted the growing strategic value of the Korean Peninsula and stressed the need to further strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance, the ministry said.

During the meeting, Shin explained South Korea's efforts in implementing UN Security Council resolutions and peacekeeping activities, and expressed his country's intention to continue to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations and the United States.

In response, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed appreciation for South Korea's efforts related to international peacekeeping operations and expressed interest in identifying projects where the United States and South Korea can jointly contribute.

"The two sides agreed that cooperation at the United Nations level along with the U.S.-ROK alliance is crucial for regional and global peace and stability, and agreed to continue to work together to promote meaningful projects in line with Security Council resolutions," the ministry said.