Tokyo – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday agreed to increase international pressure on North Korea in an attempt to end Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile threats.
Abe told a joint news conference following his meeting with Stoltenberg that their agreement was a significant achievement.
“I shared the view with Secretary General Stoltenberg that at this moment, it is necessary to raise pressure to the maximum, rather than dialogue, to force North Korea to abandon all its nuclear and missile programmes,’’ Abe said.
Stoltenberg said North Korea’s missile and nuclear programmes “pose a global threat, which requires a global response.”
“North Korea must abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and implement complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
“Prime Minister Abe and I agree that strong international pressure is required to induce Pyongyang to take a responsible path in order to find a peaceful solution,’’ Stoltenberg said.
North Korea in August and September fired off ballistic missiles, which flew over the northern island of Hokkaido before falling into the Pacific Ocean.
The reclusive state also conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sept. 3, prompting worldwide condemnation.
During his four-day visit to Japan, Stoltenberg also held talks with Foreign Minister Taro Kono and Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera on Monday.
He will travel to South Korea on Wednesday.