Obama reiterates US commitment to South Korea's security

• Source: Xinhua
• [08:08 June 17 2009]
• Comments

US President Barack Obama (R) and his South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-bak hold a press briefing in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, capital of the United States, June 16, 2009. Obama met with Lee Myung-bak here on Tuesday, reiterating American commitment to the defense of South Korea, one of the closest allies of the United States. (Xinhua/Zhang Yan)

US President Barack Obama met with his South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-bak here on Tuesday, reiterating American commitment to the defense of South Korea, one of the closest allies of the United States.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Obama said that nuclear and missile programs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have constituted "a grave threat" to regional and international security.

"Given their past behavior, given the belligerent manner in which they are constantly threatening their neighbors, I don't think there's any question that that would be a destabilizing situation that would be a profound threat not only to United States' security but to world security," he said.

Obama urged the international community to "pursue a sustained and robust effort" to implement the latest United Nations resolution that imposed sanctions against the DPRK for its recent repetition of nuclear test and the launch of missiles.