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North Korea

KCNA

June 20, 20184

On June 19, 2018, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited China and had a summit with President Xi Jinping. According to KCNA,

“At the talks the result of the historic DPRK-U.S. summit, which was successfully held amidst the unusual interest and expectation of the international community, and appreciation, views and stand on it were informed each other. And beneficial views on a series of issues of mutual concern including the prospect for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula were exchanged and a shared understanding on the discussed issues achieved.”

“The respected Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un expressed thanks to the Chinese party and government for positive and sincere support and good help for the successful DPRK-U.S. summit meeting and talks.”

“Saying that he is much pleased with and values the recently strengthened strategic cooperation between the two parties and the mutual confidence getting further deepened, he expressed the determination and will to further develop the closer relations of friendship, unity and cooperation between the two parties and the two peoples of the DPRK and China.”

“Xi Jinping gave high appreciation and extended heartfelt congratulations to Chairman Kim Jong Un for having steered the DPRK-U.S. summit meeting and talks successfully and put the situation of the Korean Peninsula on the track of dialogue, negotiation, peace and stability.”

“Voicing full support for the stand and determination of the DPRK side for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, he said that China will continue to play its constructive role in the future, too.”

Rodong Sinmun

June 20, 20185

“Xi Jinping warmly welcomed Kim Jong Un's China visit, saying that this fully showed his fixed will to attach great importance to the strengthened strategic communication between the two parties of China and the DPRK and develop the traditional friendship of the two countries and demonstrated to the whole world the invincibility of the relations between the two parties and two countries.”

“After Chairman Kim Jong Un's China visit in March, the China-DPRK relations have entered a new phase of development and the important joint agreements of both sides are being implemented one by one and the China-DPRK relations of friendship and cooperation are in new vigor, Xi Jinping stated.”

“Noting that Kim Jong Un has made great efforts to protect peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula by leading the Korean people and further consolidated the trend of dialogue and détente on the peninsula, Xi Jinping said he is pleased to see it and highly appreciates it.”

“He affirmed that China and the DPRK would learn, consult, unite and cooperate with each other as close friends and comrades to jointly open up rosier and beautiful future of the socialist cause in the two countries.”

“Kim Jong Un said he is very glad to meet again Xi Jinping and other close Chinese comrades at the time when a new historic current is being created in the Korean Peninsula and the region with the successful DPRK-U.S. summit.”

“Saying the picture of the DPRK and China sharing joy and sorrow and sincerely helping and cooperating with each other like family members clearly demonstrates at home and abroad that the relations between the two parties and two countries are developing into the unprecedentedly special relationship beyond the traditional ties, Kim Jong Un stated that he would make every possible effort to steadily develop the DPRK-China friendly relations onto a new high level, valuing affinity and affection forged with Xi Jinping.”

“He said that he would closely cooperate with the Chinese comrades at the same staff in the historic journey of defending socialism and opening up a new future of the Korean Peninsula and the region, and fully discharge his responsibility and role to protect genuine peace.”

KCNA

June 13, 20186

“The top leaders of the two countries came to take their first step toward reconciliation for the first time in the 70 odd years-long history of standoff and antagonism since the division of the Korean Peninsula, and to stand face to face at the venue of dialogue.”

“Kim Jong Un made the meaningful words there was a past that gripped their ankles and prejudice and wrong practice covered their eyes and ears, but they overcame all that to come to this place and stand at a new starting point.”

“Kim Jong Un said in order to achieve peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and realize its denuclearization, the two countries should commit themselves to refraining from antagonizing each other out of mutual understanding, and take legal and institutional steps to guarantee it.”

“Noting that the building of lasting and durable peace-keeping mechanism on the Korean Peninsula is of weighty significance in ensuring peace and security in the region and the rest of the world, he said that it is urgent to make bold decision on halting irritating and hostile military actions against each other.”

“Expressing his understanding of it, Trump expressed his intention to halt the U.S.-south Korea joint military exercises, which the DPRK side regards as provocation, over a period of good-will dialogue between the DPRK and the U.S., offer security guarantees to the DPRK and lift sanctions against it along with advance in improving the mutual relationship through dialogue and negotiation.”

“Kim Jong Un clarified the stand that if the U.S. side takes genuine measures for building trust in order to improve the DPRK-U.S. relationship, the DPRK, too, can continue to take additional good-will measures of next stage commensurate with them”

“Kim Jong Un and Trump had the shared recognition to the effect that it is important to abide by the principle of step-by-step and simultaneous action in achieving peace, stability and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”

“Kim Jong Un said that today both sides came to sign the historic joint statement heralding a new start, passing the past over, stating that the world would witness an important change.”

USA

John Bolton- National Security Advisor

June 20, 20187

"I think the first move here is really for North Korea to make.”

"They've said they want complete denuclearization. Now we are going to have to talk about how to achieve that, and I think you will see diplomatic engagement proceed very quickly."

"If they are serious, North Korea should want to move quickly, too.”

"We're urging everybody to continue them (sanctions), and we'll watch very closely what North Korea not only says, but what it does.”

Heather Nauert- Spokesperson, State Department

June 19, 20188

“I’d like to underscore the good work that President Xi and the Chinese Government have done in helping to bring North Korea to the negotiating table, and we look forward to their continued support of the United States policy and in fact the world’s policy on the maximum pressure campaign that we had instituted more than a year ago today. So more than a year ago. So overall, I’d like to thank President Xi for their support on maximum pressure.”

Statement- Pentagon

June 18, 20189

“Consistent with President Trump's commitment and in concert with our Republic of Korea ally, the United States military has suspended all planning for this August's defensive "wargame" (Freedom Guardian).”

 We are still coordinating additional actions. No decisions on subsequent wargames have been made.”

 “There will be a meeting at the Pentagon later this week with the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State and the National Security Advisor on this issue. There is no impact on Pacific exercises outside of the Korean Peninsula.”

Donald Trump-President

June 18, 201810

“If President Obama (who got nowhere with North Korea and would have had to go to war with many millions of people being killed) had gotten along with North Korea and made the initial steps toward a deal that I have, the Fake News would have named him a national hero!”

June 17, 201811

“The denuclearization deal with North Korea is being praised and celebrated all over Asia. They are so happy! Over here, in our country, some people would rather see this historic deal fail than give Trump a win, even if it does save potentially millions & millions of lives!”

“Holding back the “war games” during the negotiations was my request because they are VERY EXPENSIVE and set a bad light during a good faith negotiation. Also, quite provocative. Can start up immediately if talks break down, which I hope will not happen!12”

“Funny how the Fake News, in a coordinated effort with each other, likes to say I gave sooo much to North Korea because I “met.” That’s because that’s all they have to disparage! We got so much for peace in the world, & more is being added in finals. Even got our hostages/remains!”13

June 15, 201814

“I don’t want to see a nuclear weapon destroy you and your family.  I want to have a good relationship with North Korea…  And what I’ve done, if you remember, if you’re fair, which most of you aren’t — but if you’re fair, when I came in, people thought we were probably going to war with North Korea.  If we did, millions of people would have been killed.  I don’t mean like — you know, people are saying 100,000.  Seoul has 28 million people 30 miles off the border.  You would have had 30, 40, 50 million people killed.”

“They’re doing so much.  And now we’re well on our way to denuclearization.  And the agreement says there will be total denuclearization.”

“I can only speak to the fact that we signed an incredible agreement.  It’s great.  And it’s going to be great for them, too.  Because now North Korea can develop and North Korea can become a great country economically.  It can become whatever they want.  But there won’t be nuclear weapons and they won’t be aimed at you and your families.”

On the discontinuation of joint military exercises, President Trump said, 

“That was my offer.”

“I call them “war games.”  I hated them from the day I came in.  I said, why aren’t we being reimbursed?”

“We pay for it.  We pay millions and millions of dollars for planes, and all of this.  It’s my term.  I said, I’d like to halt it because it’s bad to be negotiating and doing it.  It costs us a lot of money.  I saved lot of money.  That’s a good thing for us.”

“I’m going to speak to people in North Korea, and I’m going to speak to my people who are over in North Korea.  A lot of things are happening.

“I will tell you this: We now have a very good relationship with North Korea.”

“More importantly than the document — more importantly than the document, I have a good relationship with Kim Jong Un.  That’s a very important thing.”

“I can now call him.  I can now say, “Well, we have a problem.”  “I told him — I gave him a very direct number.  He can now call me if he has any difficulty.  I can call him.  We have communication.  It’s a very good thing.”

“People are shocked that this is the kind of — you know, they thought Trump was going to get in and he was going to start throwing bombs all over the place.  It’s actually the opposite.”

Sarah Sanders- Press Secretary

June 15, 201815

“President has raised North Korea’s human rights record and some of the abuses of the North Korean regime in a number of occasions.  He also raised them at the summit that took place earlier this week.  But the focus of the summit was denuclearization and peace on the Peninsula, and that was the purpose of the President’s conversation and that was the focus of what took place there.”

Donald Trump- President

June 14, 201816

“Now that I am back from Singapore, where we had a great result with respect to North Korea, the thought process must sadly go back to the Witch Hunt, always remembering that there was No Collusion and No Obstruction of the fabricated No Crime.”

Mike Pompeo- Secretary of State

June 14, 201817

“The commitment to a fundamentally changed relationship. Japan, the Republic of Korea, and now China have all acknowledged that we have turned a corner, that we have begun a process away from the threat of war and towards peace on the peninsula. Each of those three countries too has acknowledged the importance of the work that President Trump has undertaken and the commitment that Chairman Kim has made towards that very end, to achieve that denuclearization.”

“And each of those three countries has also acknowledged that it is important that the sanctions regime that is in place today remain in place until such time as that denuclearization is in fact complete. There has been unanimity in that set of objectives and I’m heartened by that following the Singapore summit.”

"We are eager to see them (North Korea) take the next steps to achieve it, because the United States is ready for a new chapter in our history."

June 14, 201818

“As the President said, this will be a process and not an easy one. Staying closely aligned with our allies, the Republic of Korea and Japan, will be critical to the success of that outcome. The world should rest assured that the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan remain committed to achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. The U.S. alliances with these two countries are absolutely ironclad. Minister Kang and Minister Kono and I have developed a close friendship, and together we will continue to closely coordinate with respect to North Korea as we move forward together.”

“What happened in Singapore created an enormous opportunity, and when we refer to the mistakes of the past they were providing economic and financial relief before the complete denuclearization had taken place. That is not going to happen. President Trump made that clear not only in his press conference, but made it clear when he was with Chairman Kim Jong-un himself, that the sequence will be different this time. That’s important. It is central to the understanding.”

"We believe that Chairman Kim Jong-un understands the urgency of the timing of completing this denuclearization and understands we must do this quickly.”

 “Sanctions relief cannot take place until such time as we have demonstrated that North Korea has been completely denuclearized."

Harry Harris- Nominated US Ambassador to South Korea

June 14, 201819

"I believe we should give exercises, major exercises, a pause to see if Kim Jong-un is in fact serious about his part of the negotiations," he said in his confirming hearing at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "Today, following the summit, we are in a dramatically different place."

Donald Trump- President

June 13, 2018

“Before taking office people were assuming that we were going to War with North Korea. President Obama said that North Korea was our biggest and most dangerous problem. No longer - sleep well tonight!”20

“Just landed - a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office. There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future!”21

“A year ago the pundits & talking heads, people that couldn’t do the job before, were begging for conciliation and peace - “please meet, don’t go to war. Now that we meet and have a great relationship with Kim Jong Un, the same haters shout out, “you shouldn’t meet, do not meet!”22

“The World has taken a big step back from potential Nuclear catastrophe! No more rocket launches, nuclear testing or research! The hostages are back home with their families. Thank you to Chairman Kim, our day together was historic!”23

“I want to thank Chairman Kim for taking the first bold step toward a bright new future for his people. Our unprecedented meeting – the first between an American President and a leader of North Korea – proves that real change is possible!”24

“There is no limit to what NoKo can achieve when it gives up its nuclear weapons and embraces commerce & engagement w/ the world. Chairman Kim has before him the opportunity to be remembered as the leader who ushered in a glorious new era of security & prosperity for his citizens!”25

“Heading back home from Singapore after a truly amazing visit. Great progress was made on the denuclearization of North Korea. Hostages are back home, will be getting the remains of our great heroes back to their families, no missiles shot, no research happening, sites closing.....Got along great with Kim Jong-un who wants to see wonderful things for his country. As I said earlier today: Anyone can make war, but only the most courageous can make peace!” 26

"Everybody can feel much safer than the day I took office. There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future!"

June 12, 201827

“It’s (joint statement) very comprehensive”

“I stand before you as an emissary of the American people to deliver a message of hope and vision, and a message of peace.”

“My meeting with Chairman Kim was honest, direct, and productive.  We got to know each other well in a very confined period of time, under very strong, strong circumstance.  We’re prepared to start a new history and we’re ready to write a new chapter between our nations.”

“Today is the beginning of an arduous process.  Our eyes are wide open, but peace is always worth the effort, especially in this case.”

“In the meantime, the sanctions will remain in effect.”

“We’re not reducing (American force in South Korea).  At some point, I have to be honest — and I used to say this during my campaign, as you know, probably, better than most — I want to get our soldiers out.  I want to bring our soldiers back home.”

“We will be stopping the war games, which will save us a tremendous amount of money, unless and until we see the future negotiation is not going along like it should.  But we’ll be saving a tremendous amount of money.  Plus, I think it’s very provocative.”

“It (human rights) was discussed.  It was discussed relatively briefly compared to denuclearization.”

“I think he (Kim Jong-un)…Very smart.  Very good negotiator.  Wants to do the right thing.”

“It’s (human rights) rough.  It’s rough in a lot of places, by the way.  Not just there.

“It (denuclearisation) does take a long time to pull off complete denuclearization.  It takes a long time.”

“I would like to involve Congress.”

“If I can save millions of lives by coming here, sitting down, and establishing a relationship with someone who’s a very powerful man, who’s got firm control of a country, and that country has very powerful nuclear weapons, it’s my honor to do it.”

South Korea

Moon Jae-in- President

June 20, 201828 

President Moon in an interview with Russian news outlets ahead of his three-day state visit to Russia said, 

"President (Vladimir) Putin and I share the vision of peace and joint prosperity in the Eurasian continent." 

"Also, the New Eastern Policy that Russia is pushing ahead for its economic development and the New Northern Policy that I am preparing to help secure our new growth engine have many similarities. And the countries are the most important partners to each other. I wish to discuss ways to further enhance our cooperation in such areas." 

“Now the North and the U.S. have removed their long hostile relations and made a historic transition toward a new peace system. As specific ways toward that goal, North Korea promised complete denuclearization and the U.S. promised security guarantees for North Korea. I think what is left now is how completely and swiftly we implement such a wonderful agreement.”  

"President Putin and I also share the common goal of completely denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and establishing a peace regime.”

"Once a peace regime is established on the Korean Peninsula, that is when an era of South-North economic cooperation will take off in earnest and I believe it must be a three-way cooperation that includes Russia.” 

"In case of railways, when those of South and North Korea are connected and that cross-border railways are linked with Russia's Trans-Siberian railway, direct shipments of goods from South Korea to Europe will be possible.”

"This will be a great economic gain to North Korea, as well as South Korea. And of course, it will be a great help to Russia, too."

 "Also in case of Russian gas, Russia's natural gas can be supplied to North Korea through a gas pipeline, and to South Korea, and to Japan through a sea underwater pipeline.”

Kim Eui-kyeom- Spokesperson, Office of the President

June 20, 201829

"The latest North Korea-China summit is believed to have moved the denuclearization process a step further.”

"In addition, we expect China to play a positive role in safely completing the denuclearization process.”

Lim Sung-nam- First Vice Foreign Minister

June 19, 201830

"Both Seoul and Washington are on the same page regarding the important issues like the joint military exercises.”

 "Having said that, the U.S. was also very clear that, as far as the talks with North Korea go in good faith, we can afford not to have the kind of the military exercises we used to have in the past."
"Well, I wasn't surprised (about Trump’s announcement halting joint military exercise)."

Noh Kyu-duk- Spokesman, Foreign Ministry

June 19, 201831

"Our government expects China to play a constructive role in order to resolve the issue.” 

Statement- Democratic Party (ruling party)

June 19, 201832

"We expect that North Korea could take corresponding measures as well to soothe tensions on the peninsula.”

"We hope that the parties involved will deepen their mutual trust through future follow-up meetings and the implementation of a set of agreements, and that phased and synchronized measures for consolidating peace will follow.”

Kang Kyung-wha- Foreign Minister

June  18, 201833

Yonhap News reported that Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said that South Korea aims to formally end the Korean War within this year but will be flexible on the specific timing and format, as the process requires consultations with Pyongyang and Washington.

"I think (we) need to produce a result through consultations with the U.S., and North Korea. But (South Korea) plans to handle the issue of timing and format with flexibility.”

Lim Sung-nam- First Vice Foreign Minister

June 18, 201834

"The sanctions relief will be possible only when we see substantial progress in the area of denuclearization.”

"That position has been also clearly stated by (U.S.) Secretary (of State Mike) Pompeo as well as President Trump, so there's no daylight whatsoever as of now with regard to the need to see the substantial progress in the area of denuclearization before we make any kind of specific moves in terms of relieving the sanctions."

Moon Jae-in – President

June 14, 201835

"There are many different views on the outcome of that summit, but what is most important is the fact that it has allowed the entire world, including American, Japanese and Chinese people, to escape from threats of a nuclear war and long-range missiles.”

"I believe this alone was a very meaningful development.”

"I believe Japan's constructive and positive role and contributions are very important to the establishment of peace in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.”

"Now that we have created an opportunity to develop relations between South Korea, North Korea and North Korea and the U.S. through South-North Korean and North Korea-U.S. summits, I wish Japan-North Korea ties too will be normalized at an early date.”

June 12, 201836

"I offer my heartfelt congratulations and welcome the success of the historic North Korea-United States summit." 

“I pay my high compliments for the courage and determination of the two leaders, President Trump and Chairman Kim, not to settle for that outdated and familiar reality but to take a daring step towards change."

"The June 12 Sentosa Agreement will be recorded as a historic event that has helped break down the last remaining Cold War legacy on earth."

"Building upon the agreement reached today, we will take a new path going forward. Leaving dark days of war and conflict behind, we will write a new chapter of peace and cooperation. We will be there together with North Korea along the way.”

"This is just a beginning, and there may be many difficulties ahead, but we will never go back to the past again and never give up on this bold journey.”

"History is a record of people who take action and rise to a challenge."

Kim Eui-kyeom – spokesman, Office of the President

June 13, 201837

"For now, there still is a need to find out the exact meaning and intention of President Trump's remarks. However, as long as serious discussions are held between North Korea and the United States on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and establishment of peace, we believe we need to consider various ways to further move forward such dialogue."

China

Statement- Foreign Ministry

June 20, 201838

On June 20,2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping met  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. According to the Chinese foreign ministry statement,

“Noting that Kim has paid three visits to China within 100 days to meet with him, Xi said the two sides have jointly created a new history of China-DPRK high-level exchanges.”

“We are pleased to see that the important consensus reached by China and the DPRK is gradually being implemented, the friendly cooperative relations between the two sides are radiating new vitality, the momentum for dialogue and easing of situation on the Korean Peninsula has been effectively strengthened, and the WPK's new strategic route has pushed the DPRK's socialist cause into a new journey," Xi said.”

“With joint efforts of China, the DPRK and related parties, the Korean Peninsula and the Northeast Asia will surely embrace the bright prospects of peace, stability, development and prosperity, said Xi.”

“China is willing to share its experience with the DPRK, and strengthen unity and cooperation to jointly create a better future for the socialist cause of the two countries, said Xi.”

“Kim said the two countries are as close and friendly as family, and help each other, adding that Xi has offered affectionate care and support for the DPRK people.”

“He vowed to work with Chinese comrades to upgrade bilateral ties to a new high, and play their due roles in safeguarding world and regional peace and stability.”

Geng Shuang- Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry

June 20, 201839

“Recently, thanks to the concerted efforts of all relevant parties, the Korean Peninsula issue has been brought back to the right track of settlement through dialogue and negotiation, and the situation there is moving towards peace and stability. We hope that the DPRK and the US could earnestly implement the outcomes of the Singapore summit and forge synergy with all other relevant parties to jointly move forward the peace process of the Korean Peninsula.”

“While remaining firmly committed to realizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, we have been stressing in the meantime that the DPRK's legitimate security concerns shall be taken seriously and addressed. The Korean Peninsula situation has demonstrated a positive momentum for détente, presenting an opportunity that we hope all relevant parties could act upon. All relevant parties shall continue to work to meet each other halfway and take positive measures to address the DPRK's legitimate security concerns and establish a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. China is ready to continue with its positive and constructive role in this regard.”

“As for whether we are willing to offer economic assistance to the DPRK, China has been comprehensively and strictly fulfilling all DPRK-related resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council and honoring its due international obligations. Meanwhile, as a friendly neighbor, China maintains normal exchanges and cooperation with the DPRK on the premise of not violating its international obligations.”

Wang Yi- State Councilor and Foreign Minister

June 12, 201840 

“After more than half a century of confrontation and even hostility between the DPRK and the US, now the top leaders of the two countries have sat down together for talks on equal footing, which is of important and positive significance in itself and indeed history-making. China certainly welcomes and supports this, as this is what China has been looking forward to seeing and striving for. China hopes that the leaders of the DPRK and the US will remove disruptions, build mutual trust, overcome obstacles, and reach basic consensus on and take substantive steps towards promoting and realizing the denuclearization and establishing the peace mechanism of the Peninsula. Wang Yi hopes that relevant parties will work for this goal, and emphasizes that China will also continue to play a constructive role to this end.” 

Geng Shuang – Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry

June 12, 201841

“China hopes that the leaders of the US and the DPRK will remove disruptions, build mutual trust, overcome obstacles and reach basic consensus on and take substantive steps towards promoting and realizing the denuclearization and establishing the peace mechanism of the Peninsula. We hope relevant parties will work for this goal and China will continue to play a constructive role to this end.”

“With regard to the Korean Peninsula issue, China is always committed to achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, upholding the peace and stability on the Peninsula and resolving the relevant issue through dialogue and consultation. To this end, China put forth the “suspension for suspension” initiative and “dual-track” approach. The facts have proven that the China-proposed “suspension for suspension” initiative has been materialized and now the situation is also moving forward in the direction of the “dual-track” approach.”

“The DPRK-US summit is what China has been looking forward to and striving for all along. We have kept calling upon the DPRK and the US, the most important parties directly concerned regarding the Korean Peninsula issue, to engage in direct dialogue, establish mutual trust and peacefully resolve the issue through political and diplomatic means. It is fair to say that the relevant approach and initiative proposed by China and its endeavors in frequent interactions with other parties have played a positive and constructive role in getting the situation on the Peninsula to where it is now.”

“Regarding the issue of lifting sanctions on the DPRK .., the relevant Security Council resolutions stipulate that we shall adjust sanction measures as may be needed in light of the DPRK’s compliance, including suspending or lifting relevant sanction measures. China always believes that sanction itself is not the end, and the Security Council’s actions should support and conform to the diplomatic dialogue and the endeavour for the denuclearization of the Peninsula at this point, and promote the political settlement of the Peninsula issue.”

“The political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue at this point is moving in line with the dual-track approach proposed by China. As positive progress is made in the process of denuclearization, relevant parties should take positive measures regarding establishing the Peninsula peace mechanism and addressing the legitimate security concerns of the DPRK. China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role to this end.”

“As a major party to the Korean Peninsula affairs and a signatory to the armistice agreement, China has the responsibility and obligation to play its part in replacing the armistice agreement with a peace mechanism. We will continue to take an active part in the peace process of the Peninsula and make due contributions to achieving the denuclearization, establishing a peace mechanism and upholding peace and stability on the Peninsula.”

Russia

Maria Zakharova- Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry

June 15, 201842

“Russia welcomed the establishment of the US-North Korean and inter-Korean dialogue and the agreements reached to resolve problems on the Korean Peninsula, including the nuclear problem. I can reaffirm this position of Russia. This positive headway dovetails with the Russian-Chinese roadmap developed over a year ago, which provides a comprehensive approach to this settlement and phasing and timing of the partners’ steps.”

“We are convinced that one of the major components in the normalisation process in the region can and should be modification the UN Security Council sanctions regime against North Korea, particularly given that respective sanction resolutions have repeatedly reaffirmed the Security Council’s commitment to this kind of adjustment, taking into account progress in the situation. The trend line is clear.  This could become a serious support in the political and diplomatic settlement in North-East Asia.”

“As for “autonomous” sanctions imposed on North Korea by several countries sidestepping the UN Security Council sanctions and “on top” of them, our attitude is well known. I will repeat that it is negative. We are for the speedy lifting of all such unilateral restrictions, especially the so-called “secondary sanctions” that are applied extraterritorially.

“With regard to disarmament matters, there are international institutions that are directly responsible for dealing with this issue and they should play the primary role in its resolution.”

Vladimir Putin- President

June 14, 201843

"We welcome and also highly appreciate the outcome of the meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Trump, which was held most recently, on June 12.”

"It was raising concerns across the world and could have serious consequences, up to a large military conflict," Putin said. "Thanks to this meeting, this unfavorable scenario was postponed and new prospects of settling all problems in peaceful and diplomatic ways appeared."

"We have always sought the settlement of all problems around the Korean Peninsula.”

"In this context I would like to stress that we certainly welcome these contacts which began between the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the president of the Republic of Korea.”

Dmitry Peskov- Spokesman, Kremlin

June 13, 201844 

"The meeting’s outcome needs to be thoroughly assessed but the very meeting and the beginning of a direct dialogue are welcome.”

"No matter the result, such meetings help ease tensions on the peninsula and drive the situation away from the critical point it reached several months ago, which is a matter for satisfaction.”

"However, the very meeting proves that the Russian president was right when he said that there is no alternative to resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through political and diplomatic means,.”

“The only possible way to find a solution is launching a direct dialogue."

Sergey Lavrov - Foreign Minister

June 13, 201845

"Many commentators who voice their opinion about the developments state that an agreement on the denuclearization of North Korea was reached.”

 "However, Pyongyang itself, just like all of us, like Russia, China and the international community in general, has always spoken of the denuclearization of the whole Korean Peninsula. The difference is great, as you can see."

“Direct dialogue between the leaders of the US and North Korea is worth supporting."

“However, even though it is important to resolve issues between the US and North Korean, including the denuclearization of the peninsula, it is clear that these issues cannot be fully resolved only at bilateral level.”

"The document signed in Singapore clearly is kind of a framework and it will take much time to agree on all the details related to the difficult nuclear issue.”

"I hope that the negotiating parties will have enough patience to do that.”

Sergei Ryabkov - Deputy Foreign Minister 

June 12, 201846 

"As of now we cannot but welcome the fact that an important step forward has been made.”

"Devil is in the detail, of course, and it is necessary to understand the specificities. But as we understand the impetus has been provided,"

"We, together with Chinese friends, together with other participants of what used to be called six-lateral talks, are looking forward to getting this format relevant again, and will continue working towards a result.”

"As before, the Russian Federation will be making political, intellectual, practical and creative contributions to the settlement of problems (of the Korean Peninsula).” 

Japan

Taro Kono- Foreign Minister

June 17, 201847

"The supreme leader of North Korea agreed to full denuclearization. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during his visit to Pyongyang that, according to the United States, this notion includes elimination - in the transparent and irreversible form - of the nuclear stockpile and other types of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and biological ones, as well as missiles and all relevant infrastructure.”

"In this regard, a list of 74 demands was submitted to North Korea. If the demand for full denuclearization is not carried out in this form, sanctions against North Korea will not be lifted. I think they North Korea understand this.”

"In North Korea, a promise of the supreme leader has special significance, especially if given in a written form. The domestic announcement of full denuclearization is also important. I think that in a situation like this, North Korea will stick to its promise.”

"They (security guarantee) can be given in the form of a document, which states that the United States will not attack North Korea, cross the 38th parallel and topple the existing regime.”

"Guarantees may be given within the framework of a multilateral structure as well. This matter is yet to be discussed."

June 15, 201848

 “We are implementing economic sanctions based on the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. At this point in time, no country will individually relax economic sanctions against North Korea. China is also a signatory to the Korean Armistice Agreement so if such discussions arise, I expect China to be involved. More broadly than the Korean War, China, like Japan, is a regional stakeholder in the peace and stability of Northeast Asia.” 

June 14, 201849

 “I stated that Japan is prepared to discuss the various concerns, including the abductions issue, with North Korea. As I have stated repeatedly, Japan seeks to normalize its relations with North Korea, in accordance with the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, through comprehensive resolution of concerns such as the abductions, nuclear and missile issues. It is necessary for Japan and North Korea to engage in direct discussions on the abductions issue and Japan is ready to make the various preparations necessary for doing so.”

“At the U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting, North Korea made a clear commitment to denuclearization. In that sense, we have entered a new phase. The Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration mentions the nuclear, missile and abductions issues. At the very least, it can be said that North Korea has taken a step towards resolving the nuclear and missile issues with the international community. In that sense, from the perspective of resolving the abduction issue and ensuring that it does not fall behind the other issues, it can be said that we have entered a new phase.”

“There is absolutely no plan or anything of the sort for the withdrawal of the U.S. forces stationed in the ROK. As for the military exercises between the United States and the ROK, that is a matter to be determined between the United States and the ROK.” 

Shinzo Abe- Prime Minister

June 14, 201850

“Taking the opportunity of the U.S.-North Korean summit, Japan is determined to face directly North Korea and resolve the issue." 

June 12, 201851

“I highly evaluate that he Trump referred during the summit meeting to what I had told him about the abduction issue, which is of importance for Japan. I thank him for clearly raising the abduction issue.”

“The abduction issue, of course, must be settled between the two countries.”

“There is great meaning in Chairman Kim’s clearly confirming to President Trump the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”