SEOUL, November 14. /TASS/. The Republic of Korea and 17 United Nations Command (UNC) member countries, including the United States, have condemned North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, the South Korean Defense Ministry said in a report following an inaugural meeting in Seoul between defense chiefs and representatives of these countries.

A joint statement was issued following the discussions. "[Participants in the meeting] strongly condemned North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which violate numerous UN Security Council resolutions, and emphasized that North Korea is responsible for fully implementing UN Security Council resolutions and stopping its illegal activities," the statement reads.

In addition, a decision was made to expand cooperation and mutual exchanges within the South Korean-US alliance and between the Republic of Korea and its UNC allies. Joint exercises will also be revitalized.

According to the statement, the defense ministers and representatives of UNC member states declared that they will jointly respond in the event of hostile actions that threaten security on the Republic of Korea or if armed attacks are resumed.