Non Proliferation Envoy to Korea Talks

Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Bonnie D. Jenkins, is set to travel to the Republic of Korea (ROK) from May 29 to June 2, to continue the United States' commitment to the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). Jenkins will lead the U.S. Delegation to the PSI High-Level Political Meeting (HLPM) as the U.S. continues its work to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their delivery systems, and related items.

The visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the PSI, a program that the United States has supported across multiple administrations. It highlights the United States' ongoing commitment to the initiative, which has become a cornerstone of the global WMD nonproliferation regime.

During the HLPM, Under Secretary Jenkins will deliver the U.S. National Statement, meet with participating states, and attend a multilateral maritime interdiction exercise showcasing regional counterproliferation capabilities at sea. Further, she will hold bilateral meetings with her ROK counterparts in Seoul.

Since its inception on May 31, 2003, the PSI has aimed to prevent trafficking of WMD, their delivery systems, and related materials. When a country endorses PSI, it commits to a set of principles that contribute to a more coordinated and effective response to WMD proliferation.

Countries supporting the PSI pledge to interdict transfers to states and non-state actors of proliferation concern, facilitate the exchange of information, strengthen national legal authorities to support interdiction, and take action in support of interdiction efforts.

The initiative was established amid global concerns that WMD, their delivery systems, and related materials could potentially fall into the hands of terrorists. All endorsing countries have committed to the flexible, voluntary initiative, which focuses on enhancing the capabilities of individual nations and their collective capacity to address the rapid, evolving proliferation threats.