S. Korea's top diplomat calls for Sweden's cooperation in resolving N.K. nuke issue
SEOUL, Feb. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top diplomat called on Sweden for joint efforts to resolve North Korea's nuclear issue, as she held talks with her Swedish counterpart on Monday, the foreign ministry said.
The meeting between Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Sweden's Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom was held on the occasion of the Swedish minister's South Korean visit for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
They discussed collaboration on the bilateral and international levels, as well as the security issues involving the Korean Peninsula, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Both ministers agreed to push for diplomatic efforts to maintain the Olympic momentum for talks between South and North Korea and to lead toward further talks for a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear program, the ministry said.
Kang requested that Sweden, which has close relations with both Koreas, continue to play a role in resolving the nuclear issue through close collaboration with the South Korean government, the ministry also said.
In return, Minister Wallstrom expressed her proactive support for Seoul's peace-building efforts and pledged close communication with it.
Ahead of the 60th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic relationship, in 2019, they also agreed to expand bilateral exchange through trips by ranking officials, as well as economic cooperation including trade and investment, the ministry said.
Also agreed between the two female top diplomats was bilateral cooperation at the United Nations on issues like gender equality and human rights, according to the ministry. Gender equality is the Swedish foreign minister's policy agenda, having announced "Feminist Foreign Policy" as her key agenda.
Wallstrom also celebrated the South Korean Olympic curling team's victory over its Swedish rival. Korea defeated Sweden 7-6, taking a step closer to the semifinals.
Later, the Swedish minister told Yonhap News that she will do whatever she can to make it possible for the United States and North Korea to meet and talk.
She also said the door for talks with North Korea should be open while sustaining the United Nations Security Council sanctions on the country.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
Police officer admits to leaking investigation report into late actor Lee Sun-kyun
-
'Parasyte: The Grey' adapts Japanese alien invasion manga to Korean setting
-
S. Korea, U.S. launch task force to block N. Korea's nuclear, missile programs
-
N. Korean leader sends condolences to Putin over Russian concert hall shooting
-
Defense chief calls for defending NLL on anniversary of 2010 warship sinking
-
'Parasyte: The Grey' adapts Japanese alien invasion manga to Korean setting
-
Police officer admits to leaking investigation report into late actor Lee Sun-kyun
-
N. Korean leader sends condolences to Putin over Russian concert hall shooting
-
N.K. leader's sister says Japan's PM proposed summit with Kim
-
Key N. Korean officials pay condolence visit to Russian Embassy in Pyongyang over Moscow attack
-
Yellow dust advisories issued for parts of S. Korea
-
(5th LD) UNSC fails to extend mandate of expert panel monitoring N.K. sanctions enforcement
-
Yellow dust storm blankets S. Korea; fine dust advisory issued
-
Super Junior's Ryeowook to marry former Tahiti member Ari
-
Japan's PM voices willingness to push for summit with N. Korea