SEOUL, South Korea — The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, will embark on a trip to South Korea and Japan from April 14-20. The purpose of her visit is to strengthen bilateral and trilateral cooperation on the enforcement of sanctions against North Korea, as well as to address other important issues in the region.
This trip comes at a crucial time, as the annual renewal of the multinational panel of experts, which has been instrumental in implementing U.N. sanctions against North Korea for the past 15 years, was recently rejected by Russia. This move has been met with criticism from the United States, South Korea, and Japan, as it could potentially undermine the effectiveness of the sanctions.
The U.S. mission to the U.N. spokesperson, Nate Evans, stated that Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s trip will focus on discussing next steps to ensure the continuation of independent and accurate reporting of North Korea’s ongoing weapons proliferation and sanctions evasion activities. This is a crucial step in maintaining the pressure on North Korea to denuclearize and abide by international norms.
During her visit to South Korea, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will travel to the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. This symbolic location serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions on the Korean peninsula, and the importance of maintaining a strong stance against North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. The Ambassador will also have the opportunity to meet with young North Korean defectors, who have bravely escaped the oppressive regime and now reside in South Korea. Their stories serve as a reminder of the human rights violations and suffering that the North Korean people endure under their government.
In addition, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will visit Ewha Womans University, where she will meet with students and discuss the importance of international cooperation in addressing global issues. This visit highlights the strong partnership between the United States and South Korea, and the shared values of democracy and human rights.
The Ambassador’s trip to Japan will also focus on strengthening cooperation on North Korea-related issues. She will meet with family members of Japanese citizens who were abducted by North Korea in the early 2000s. This issue remains a painful and unresolved one for Japan, and the United States stands in solidarity with our ally in seeking justice for these abductions. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will also visit Nagasaki, a city that holds a special significance in the history of U.S.-Japan relations. The city was hit by a U.S. nuclear bombing in 1945, and the Ambassador’s visit serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting peace and stability in the region.
The U.S. Ambassador’s trip to South Korea and Japan is a testament to the strong and enduring partnerships between these countries. It also highlights the United States’ commitment to maintaining pressure on North Korea to denuclearize and abide by international norms. The U.S. remains steadfast in its support for our allies and partners in the region, and we will continue to work together to address the challenges posed by North Korea.
In conclusion, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s trip to South Korea and Japan is a positive step towards strengthening cooperation and addressing important issues in the region. The United States remains committed to working with our allies and partners to ensure the enforcement of sanctions against North Korea and promote peace and stability in the region. We look forward to the outcomes of this trip and the continued partnership between our countries.
