By Lee Hana

President Moon Jae-in held a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sept. 15 to discuss countermeasures against North Korea's ongoing nuclear weapons and missile provocations.

President Moon offered his condolences to the prime minister, acknowledging how threatened and worried the Japanese people must feel given North Korea's launch of ballistic missiles over Japanese territory on Aug. 29 and Sept. 15.

The two heads of state agreed that they must, along with the international community, resolutely implement the strengthened U.N. Security Council sanctions so that North Korea has no choice but to come to the negotiation table.

They also agreed to seek firm and effective measures to change North Korea's stance and to affirm the unified support of the international community at the 72nd session of the U.N. General Assembly, currently underway at U.N. headquarters in New York.

"I agree that we need to take a resolute stance in dealing with Pyongyang's provocations," said President Moon. "However, Korea and Japan should focus on stabilizing the situation, as extreme countermeasures against North Korea's threats could intensify tensions and lead to possible conflict."

"None of us involved want casualties as a result of war breaking out on the Korean Peninsula. Our two countries should cooperate closely and modify our policies toward North Korea, and ensure the security of our citizens," said the prime minister.

hlee10@korea.kr