Senior diplomats from Japan, the US, and South Korea have agreed to step up efforts to strengthen their deterrence against North Korea's provocations and continue to work closely at the UN Security Council.

The diplomats who met in Seoul on Thursday included Namazu Hiroyuki, who heads the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau; Jung Pak, US Senior Official for North Korea; and Kim Gunn, who is South Korea's Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs.

In an opening statement, Namazu pointed out that since their last meeting in October, North Korea has continued its provocations, including the launch of an ICBM-class missile, and what it called a military reconnaissance satellite. He said the three countries once again strongly urge North Korea to comply with the obligations set forth by the international community.

Jung Pak said in her opening statement that North Korea's launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Sunday was the most recent case of reckless provocation from the North that increases regional tensions.

She said the United States is also deeply concerned by the recent uptick in hostile rhetoric from North Korea, particularly toward the South. She said this is increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula unnecessarily.

Kim Gunn, on his part, expressed concern over North Korea's growing military cooperation with Russia. He said Kim Jong Un "may be banking on his country's unlawful military cooperation with Moscow." He said, "This will only lead to a dead end."