S. Korea stresses N.K. denuclearization 'unanimous goal' after Rubio remarks

▲ This AP photo captures U.S. Senator Marco Rubio testifying before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on his nomination for Secretary of State, in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 15, 2025. (Yonhap)

S Korea-N Korea-Rubio

S. Korea stresses N.K. denuclearization 'unanimous goal' after Rubio remarks

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reaffirmed Thursday that denuclearizing North Korea is a "unanimous goal" shared by the international community, after incoming U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee for top diplomat suggested a review of Washington's policy on Pyongyang.

Marco Rubio, the nominee for Secretary of State, said in a confirmation hearing before the Senate on Wednesday (local time) that there is a need for Washington to take a "serious" review of North Korea policy to explore how to lower the risk of "inadvertent" war between the two Koreas.

Rubio also called on the need to prevent a crisis without encouraging other nations to pursue their own nuclear weapons programs.

Regarding his remarks, the foreign ministry in Seoul reiterated that North Korea's denuclearization is an "essential condition" for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

"It is a unanimously shared goal of the international community," a ministry official told reporters. "Despite various efforts made so far, North Korea has continued its nuclear development. We understand that (Rubio's remarks) meant that it is necessary to consider a broader approach to North Korea policy."

The official also pointed out that the incoming Trump administration has yet to outline its policy on Pyongyang.

"We intend to maintain close communication with the U.S. during its policy review process to ensure a coordinated response to North Korea's nuclear and other issues," he said.

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