South Korea’s deputy nuclear envoy meets International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials in Seoul to discuss cooperation related to North Korea’s nuclear program. Yonhap and the Korea Times report that Vice Foreign Minister for Diplomatic Strategy and Intelligence Jeong Yeon-doo holds talks with Massimo Aparo, the IAEA’s deputy director general and head of the IAEA safeguards department, on Wednesday.
Seoul says Jeong briefs Aparo on recent developments on the Korean Peninsula and on South Korea’s efforts aimed at peaceful coexistence with North Korea. The Korea Times adds that Jeong highlights the IAEA’s international focus on the North Korean nuclear issue, including attention reflected in reports by the IAEA director general. Aparo responds by saying the North Korean nuclear issue remains a key agenda item for the IAEA and expresses support for Seoul’s diplomacy.
Both outlets also note that Aparo describes the IAEA’s work to maintain enhanced readiness for verification of North Korea’s nuclear program. While the reported details of any specific agreements are cut off in the available excerpts, the overall thrust is cooperation and coordination between Seoul and the IAEA on safeguards and verification readiness regarding North Korea.
