Japan FM, NATO chief stress big pressure a must against N. Korea

TOKYO, Oct 30 (KUNA) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed importance Monday of maximizing pressure against North Korea to give up its nuclear and missile programs.
Kono and Stoltenberg shared the view that the nuclear and missile development by North Korea is a threat to the international community, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said in a press release after their talks in Tokyo.
"I hope to bolster collaboration with NATO in regional affairs beginning with the situation in North Korea, which has become increasingly serious, and further promoting Japan-NATO cooperation," the minister was quoted as telling NATO chief at the outset of the meeting, according to the press release.
In response, Stoltenberg noted that Japan has maintained the longest relationship with NATO among countries outside Europe as its partner, saying, "I wish to address common challenges and threats together with Japan." The Secretary General also emphasized that cooperation with partners was important in tackling global challenges such as North Korea's nuclear and missile development, terrorism and cyber threats.
The two also welcomed the preparation in progress for dispatching a liaison officer to NATO's Maritime Command with a view to advancing cooperation in the area of maritime security. Stoltenberg arrived in Japan on Sunday for a four-day visit.
North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test last month, which it said was an H-bomb that can be mounted on a long-range missile. It also fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan in the mid-September. (end) mk.mb