ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Nuclear Test, 7 September 2017

     The ASEAN Foreign Ministers deplore and express grave concerns over the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 3 September 2017, which is again in violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and goes against international efforts on non-proliferation and disarmament of weapons of mass destruction. This is the sixth nuclear test by the DPRK. The DPRK’s latest actions, including its recent missile tests and two earlier nuclear tests last year, have heightened tensions in the Korean Peninsula and threatened regional peace and security. The DPRK’s disregard of international law as well as the grave concerns of the international community seriously calls into question the country’s sincerity in having meaningful dialogue on the real issues facing the Korean Peninsula.

     The ASEAN Foreign Ministers reiterate their grave concerns over the escalation of tensions in the Korean Peninsula and strongly urge the DPRK to immediately halt such actions that are in violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and return to the negotiating table. This, coupled with complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization, is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula.

     ASEAN stands ready to play a constructive role in contributing to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula.