Washington, DC - Secretary Kerry spoke separately this morning via phone with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida regarding the launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea using ballistic missile technology.

The Secretary reaffirmed for both foreign ministers the U.S. ironclad commitment to the security and defense of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and our other allies. The Secretary condemned the launch as a violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions that threatened international peace and security, and he emphasized the importance of a united international response to North Korea's provocations, including through a strong UN Security Council Resolution.

The Secretary also noted the vital importance of continued close communication and cooperation among the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea in addressing the threats posed by North Korea.