S. Korea's FM urges prompt resumption of talks for denuclearization of Korean Peninsula

강경화, "비핵화 위해 남북미 대화 조속히 재개돼야"...아세안 회의서 한반도평화프로세스 지지 요청South Korea's foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha stressed the need to resume dialogue between the two Koreas and the U.S. as early as possible.The remark comes during a series of virtual meetings with her counterparts in the ASEAN region and other key partner countries.Yoon Jung-min reports.At a series of multilateral virtual meetings on Wednesday, Seoul's Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha urged for the prompt resumption of talks for the complete denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.During the ASEAN Plus Three meeting,... Kang said talks between Seoul, Pyeongyang and Washington should be resumed at the earliest possible date.She added that South Korea remains committed to its stance of resolving the issue through dialogue.At the East Asia Summit which was also attended by the U.S. and China the minister stressed the need for regional cooperation on that issue."This is a crucial period for the Korean Peninsula peace process. It is imperative that we strengthen the efforts to achieve the faithful implementation of the agreements reached and declared before the world by the three leaders."She also called for regional cooperation to tackle COVID-19, bringing up experiences of past outbreaks.Kang also urged the ASEAN region to adopt a 'fast-track' entry system to facilitate essential trips,... while working together on developing and securing a vaccine."With the experience of SARS epidemic in 2003, the ASEAN+3 cooperation mechanism mobilized into action at the onset the COVID-19 pandemic. ...And new and constructive ideas were drawn, such as the COVID-19 ASEAN response fund."On the issue of the South China Sea,... Kang said during the East Asia Summit that South Korea is against any actions that may escalate tensions in the region,... highlighting the need for freedom of navigation.Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.