LOC10:41
07:41 GMT
WASHINGTON, Feb 24 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull pledge to confront North Korea over its illegal pursuit of nuclear weapons, calling it "the most serious threat to peace in our region," according to a statement released by the White House late Friday.
"We intend to continue to protect the integrity of our institutions and to counter threats we face, whether they stem from terrorism, cyber activity, or transnational crime. And we remain united in our resolve to confront the most serious threat to peace in our region-the North Korean regime's illegal pursuit of nuclear weapons," both leaders said in a joint statement.
Trump and Turnbull met earlier at the White House for talks on North Korea, with Turnbull expressing support for US sanctions and economic ties. It comes as Trump rolled out what he described as the "heaviest sanctions ever" levied against the Pyongyang regime targeting North-Korea linked shipping assets.
The leaders described American-Australia bilateral relations as "rock solid," saying, "We recognize that it is more important than ever to defend our interests, values, and way of life". (end)
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