U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and Republic of Korea Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Lee Do-hoon co-chaired a U.S.-ROK working group in Washington November 20.

The working group further strengthened close U.S.-ROK coordination on efforts to achieve our shared goal of the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK. The participants discussed complete denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, as well as the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions and inter-Korean cooperation.

Special Representative Biegun and Special Representative Lee reaffirmed the U.S.-ROK Alliance as the linchpin of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

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The United States strongly condemns the attack in Kabul today at a religious gathering that killed at least 40 and wounded over 60 civilians. We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims. This shameless act comes as the Afghan people attempt to celebrate Milad-un-Nabi in peace, and reveals the cowardice and cruelty of those who perpetuate violence in Afghanistan.

The United States remains committed to peace and stability in Afghanistan, and stands by the people of Afghanistan who want peace and a future free from these horrific acts of violence.

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The United States congratulates Papua New Guinea for a successful year as host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. We are proud of the work that we achieved together to break down barriers to trade and investment throughout the APEC region, supporting positive outcomes for our people and the region.

The United States was proud and fully prepared to join consensus on the draft APEC statements, agreeing to promote free and fair trade in the region and to combat unfair trade practices. It is unfortunate that not all economies—despite their rhetoric—could support these positions.

Nevertheless, this year, working with our partners, the United States advanced priorities including on digital trade, services trade competitiveness, structural reform, trade facilitation, and women’s economic participation. These areas are critical to all APEC economies as key drivers of future growth.

We remain committed to fighting unfair trade wherever it exists in the region. APEC, as the premier economic forum in the region, should continue to advance the ideals of free, fair, and reciprocal trade, to level the playing field and unleash new opportunities for all of our workers and businesses. The United States will continue to constructively engage in APEC to achieve those objectives.

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The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert: ‎

Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met with Pacific Island and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders on November 17 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The discussion highlighted mechanisms for closer coordination between APEC and Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to promote development cooperation and to build awareness of and capacity to address digital issues. The United States is committed to the Pacific Island Countries and recognizes their importance in achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our partnership with the Pacific Island Countries in tackling global and regional challenges, including promoting regional security and stability; advancing sustainable growth and prosperity; addressing environmental challenges; preparing for and responding to natural disasters; and strengthening our people-to-people ties.

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The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom and thanked her for Sweden’s role in securing the release of an American citizen from North Korea. The Secretary also thanked the Swedes for their support and services as our Protecting Power in North Korea, and discussed other issues of mutual concern.

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