Further Action on North Korea

I welcome the United Nation Security Council's unanimous adoption of resolution 2321 in response to North Korea's ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile tests. Australia joined 49 other nations to co-sponsor the resolution, reaffirming that the international community stands firm and will not tolerate the threat North Korea poses to peace and stability in our region.

These new sanctions build on UNSC Resolution 2270 (2016) and include a binding cap on coal exports, as well as targeting illicit transportation and other illegitimate commercial activities of North Korean officials that generate revenue for the regime's weapons and missile technology activities.

The resolution calls for North Korea to respect the human rights of the North Korean people, and those of other nationalities detained in North Korea, reiterating appeals made by Australia over an extended time.

In addition to these strong multilateral measures, I continue to assess and designate individuals and entities linked to the regime's weapons and missile programs for targeted financial sanctions and travel bans. I am considering further autonomous measures Australia can impose. These measures will be determined following public consultations in early 2017.

Australia continues to call on North Korea to adhere to UNSC resolutions, abandon its nuclear program and engage constructively with the international community, including through the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

We will continue to work with our friends and partners, including the United States, the Republic of Korea, Japan and China, to uphold peace and stability in North Asia.