The United States and South Korea have formed a task force to block North Korea’s oil transfers
The United States and South Korea launched a new task force this week aimed at preventing North Korea from acquiring illegal oil, as the deadlock in the United Nations Security Council has raised doubts about the future of international sanctions.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement that the first meeting of the EDTF Enhancement Disruption Task Force was held on Tuesday in Washington.
More than 30 officials from ministries and organizations responsible for diplomacy, intelligence, sanctions, and maritime counteraction attended the meeting.
The statement added that both parties expressed their concerns about the possibility of Russia supplying refined oil to North Korea and discussed ways to suspend illegal cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The statement noted that oil is an essential resource for North Korea’s nuclear and missile development, as well as for strengthening its military force.