Secretary-General Welcomes Decision by Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to Suspend Nuclear Tests, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles Launches

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General welcomes the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s decision to suspend nuclear tests and launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles.  This positive step forward contributes to building trust and the longer process leading to the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.  He reiterates the commitment and support of the United Nations system in this endeavour.

The Secretary-General takes this opportunity to wish the leaders of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea, ahead of their inter-Korean Summit on 27 April, every success in their courageous and important task of resuming sincere dialogue leading to sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula.  He also commends the establishment of a direct telephone link between the two leaders, which he hopes will help to further build trust and narrow differences in understanding.