Pak Jong Hak, director for Southeast Asia of the DPRK Foreign Ministry, assured that the hostile policy against the DPRK by the U.S. and some follower forces, as well as their reckless military provocative actions, could trigger a nuclear conflict.

In a statement, the official reaffirmed the close link between achieving stability in the Northeast Asian regional situation and the peace and prosperity of Southeast Asia.

He also confirmed Pyongyang’s interest in strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its member countries.

Pak recalled that the DPRK will celebrate the 14th anniversary of its accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia on July 24 and the 22nd anniversary of its membership in the ASEAN regional forum on July 27, which he described as important milestones for advancing to a higher stage of ties.

The diplomat also expressed Democratic Korea’s unwavering solidarity with the efforts of the association’s member countries to strengthen cooperation and unity.

He stressed his country’s support for safeguarding the validity of the ASEAN doctrine on defending the collective interests of the organization above any objective.

The diplomat stressed that the DPRK and the ASEAN share the same principles of respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, which promotes the continuous development of bilateral relations, he added.

He also warned that the organization faces challenges and obstacles in maintaining peace and stability in the face of the interest of the United States and its allies to establish a hegemonic position in the region.

pgh/abo/mem/lrd