“The President emphasized that the United States stands with its allies Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat that North Korea continues to pose,” the release stated on Wednesday. “The President also made clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities.”
Both leaders will maintain close communication to strengthen cooperation on North Korea and other regional issues of mutual interest, the release stated.
Tensions in the Korean Peninsula escalated since North Korea carried out a number of missile launches and nuclear tests, with one of the latest being the launch of four missiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan, conducted on March 6, as well as new high-thrust rocket engine tested on the ground on March 18. The launches are considered to be in violation of a UN resolution.
