Statement by Mr. MACHIMURA Nobutaka, Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 20, 2005
I welcome the fact that at the fourth round of the Six-Party Talks an agreement was reached on the joint statement that indicates the final goal to be achieved by the Talks. I highly appreciate the efforts made by the countries concerned that have brought about the agreement, especially the efforts made by China, which coordinated the Talks as the Chair.
To peacefully resolve North Korea's nuclear issue is an urgent security matter for Japan . North Korea's commitment for the first time to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs in a verifiable manner will provide an important ground for achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through the Six-Party Talks in the future.
Japan takes serious note of North Korea's decision this time, considers that it is important for the six parties to implement this agreement promptly and steadily, and believes that constructive dialogues should be promoted continuously to this end.
Although there may be difficulties ahead before achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Japan intends to do its utmost to achieve the common goal -- peace and stability in Northeast Asia -- by maintaining a close cooperation among the countries concerned.
[Related Links]
* Six-Party Talks
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