South Korea Urges North Korea to Return to Dialogue and Comply with UN Resolutions

Seoul, February 24, 2026 – South Korea’s nuclear envoy, Jeong Yeon-doo, has called on North Korea to adhere to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions regarding its nuclear and missile programs and to resume negotiations. The appeal came during a high-level meeting at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Switzerland.

Call for Compliance and Dialogue

Jeong Yeon-doo, who likewise serves as Vice Minister for Diplomatic Strategy and Intelligence, urged North Korea to “respond to our sincere efforts and to engage constructively in dialogue, and also to return to full compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” according to a statement released by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Korea Times, Korea JoongAng Daily

Concerns Over Russia-North Korea Military Cooperation

Jeong also expressed “deep” concerns regarding North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia, emphasizing the need for it to “cease immediately” as it poses a threat to international peace, and security. Korea Times, Korea JoongAng Daily

Phased Denuclearization Approach

Seoul remains committed to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula but acknowledges that achieving this goal will be a lengthy process. The South Korean government is pursuing a phased denuclearization approach, beginning with halting North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs through dialogue and negotiation, followed by reduction in the medium term, and ultimately aiming for complete dismantlement. Korea Times, Korea JoongAng Daily

International Sanctions Against North Korea

North Korea has been subject to numerous international sanctions, particularly since its first nuclear test in 2006, due to its nuclear weapons program. Wikipedia. These sanctions have been imposed by countries including the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations, as well as Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and others. Wikipedia. In February 2026, the UN Security Council approved exemptions to sanctions to allow for increased humanitarian aid to reach North Korea. Reuters