The top diplomats of South Korea and the U.S. have agreed to continue sending out a strong message with the international community to deter further provocation by North Korea.
 
Seoul's Foreign Ministry said that Minister Yun Byung-se held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday morning and discussed bilateral cooperation on North Korea and key global issues.
 
During the 20 minute conversation, the two discussed the North's ruling party congress that began Friday as well as possible provocations and response measures.
 
The ministers expressed deep concern over Pyongyang's mention during the congress of its boosted resolve to develop nuclear and missile weapons. 
 
Seoul and Washington agreed to closely follow any major announcements that come out of the congress and to continue close cooperation in joint response.
 
Yun and Kerry also agreed to step up sanctions and pressure including ones through UN Security Council resolutions in order to induce the North to sincerely change its attitude.
 
The two sides will also cooperate with the international community to help Pyongyang realize there is no option other than denuclearization and to show its commitment to denuclearize in action. 
 
Secretary Kerry also affirmed the U.S.’s defense commitment to South Korea while the two agreed to continued consultation on maintaining steadfast deterrence and combined defense readiness.