Today's firing of a reportedly ballistic missile at sea is yet another provocative action by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). It undermines the efforts by the international community to build trust, enhance security and nurture a sustained peace process on the Korean peninsula.

We reiterate our expectation that the DPRK refrains from actions that violate UN Security Council resolutions and commits to credible and meaningful diplomatic negotiations. Our ultimate goal remains the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement by the DPRK of its nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and its ballistic missile programmes of all ranges.

We look forward to the resumption of working-level talks between the US and the DPRK and stand ready to support all international efforts for finding a diplomatic solution leading to lasting peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.