According to Yonhap news agency, Yoon made the remark in a written interview with the Associated Press (AP) which published today, ahead of his participation in a Nato summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Now is the time to clearly demonstrate that the international community’s determination to deter North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme is stronger than North Korea’s desire to develop nuclear weapons,” he said, adding that South Korea will stress the importance of international cooperation against “North Korea’s illegal acts” during the summit.

“Peace is never as certain and reliable as when it is backed by powerful force and deterrence.”

“Strong international sanctions against North Korea have the effect of preventing the advancement of its nuclear and missile capabilities,” Yoon said in the interview.

Yoon told the AP he will have “several opportunities” to speak with US president Joe Biden in Vilnius on topics including the strengthening of the US security commitment and the expansion of trilateral security cooperation between Seoul, Washington and Tokyo.

He also confirmed he will meet with Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida there, days after the UN nuclear watchdog approved the planned release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant to the chagrin of many in South Korea and other neighbouring countries.

Yoon said South Korea continues to provide humanitarian and financial assistance to Ukraine in its war against Russia, and has already extended help to repair the damaged Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine.

“The Korean government will continue to fulfill its necessary role in tandem with the international community in order to safeguard the freedom of Ukraine.

“On top of this, we will work out multipronged support measures needed for the prompt post-war restoration of peace in Ukraine and its reconstruction,” he said.