South Korean nuclear envoy Jeong Yeon-doo met IAEA Deputy Director General Massimo Aparo in Seoul to discuss the peninsula and the agency’s readiness to verify Pyongyang’s programme.
South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Jeong Yeon-doo met International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Deputy Director General Massimo Aparo in Seoul on October 7 to discuss cooperation on North Korea’s nuclear programme, according to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry.
Jeong briefed Aparo on developments on the Korean Peninsula and Seoul’s efforts to pursue peaceful coexistence with North Korea. He also noted that the IAEA has drawn international attention to the issue, including through reports by its director general.
Aparo voiced support for South Korea’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability on the peninsula. He said the North Korean nuclear issue was an important item on the IAEA’s agenda and outlined the agency’s efforts to maintain enhanced readiness to verify Pyongyang’s programme.
The two sides agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation. The IAEA has had no inspectors on the ground in North Korea since Pyongyang ended cooperation and expelled them in 2009, leaving the agency unable to conduct on-site verification of the country’s nuclear activities.