Seoul: South Korean and Malaysian defense officials have pledged to continue their efforts toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea during regular bilateral talks in Seoul. The commitment was confirmed by the defense ministry on Wednesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Seung-beom, South Korea's director general for international policy, and Mohd Yani bin Daud, Malaysia's deputy secretary general for policy, discussed defense cooperation and regional security concerns. The discussions highlighted the impact of North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine conflict on Korean Peninsula security, with Malaysia supporting Seoul's stance against North Korea's nuclear and missile initiatives.

Both nations also committed to implementing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and U.N. Security Council resolutions against North Korea, emphasizing their shared goal of North Korea's denuclearization.

The officials further agreed to enhance collaboration in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, and to bolster maritime security and the arms industry. These talks are part of Seoul's broader strategy to strengthen defense ties with ASEAN member countries, including a proposal for joint maritime drills in the coming year.