(KEAD) Duterte vows help to denuclearize N. Korea, curb its missile launches

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SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte pledged to cooperate with China and other neighboring countries to help denuclearize North Korea and curb its missile launches during his meeting with President Moon Jae-in's special envoy on Monday.

The meeting between Duterte and Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon took place in Davao City, the Philippines, Park's first stop as Moon's special envoy to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

During the meeting, Park conveyed a handwritten letter from Moon to the Philippine president and the new administration's determination to strengthen ties with the country, according to Park's office.

Park also requested support and cooperation from the Philippines and the ASEAN countries for the Moon administration's plan to denuclearize North Korea and secure peace on the Korean Peninsula.

In response, Duterte said that he will persuade North Korea to give up nuclear weapons and stop missile provocations through cooperation with its neighboring countries including China, according to the office.

In addition, Park invited Duterte to South Korea on behalf of Moon while delivering Moon's wish to hold a summit with the Filipino leader on the sidelines of an ASEAN leaders' meeting set for November, according to the office.

The mayor also asked for the Philippine government's efforts to bolster the security of South Korean citizens residing in the Southeast Asian country and called for increased bilateral cooperation in the Philippines' land development projects, the office also added.

Duterte vowed "proactive" efforts to broaden relations with South Korea and deepen bilateral economic cooperation.

After wrapping up his visit to the Philippines, Park will depart for Indonesia on Tuesday before heading against to Vietnam.

pbr@yna.co.kr
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