Atlanta:Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has articulated South Korea's position regarding a recent land mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during a Group of 20 (G20) meeting. He emphasized the necessity for dialogue between the Koreas, as stated by his office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea has attributed the September 21 mine blast, which injured three South Korean soldiers, to North Korea and has called for military discussions to de-escalate tensions. North Korea, however, has denied involvement and threatened military action along the border if deemed necessary.
During the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta, Cho reiterated the importance of communication between the two Koreas to alleviate tensions. He also expressed concerns over the growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, which could have significant security implications for the Korean Peninsula and the broader region, as North Korean troops are reportedly supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
Cho sought the support of G20 members for South Korea's initiatives aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, he underscored the importance of international collaboration to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, pledging that South Korea will continue to contribute to the safe passage in this crucial maritime corridor.