Speaking at a university in Seoul, US President Barack Obama has said that he is committed to deterring nuclear proliferation, ahead of a two-day summit that will focus on reducing access by terror groups to radioactive material and build a nuclear bomb.
"The danger of nuclear terrorism remains one of the greatest threats to global security. That is why in Seoul we need to keep at it," he said in a speech in the South Korean capital ahead of the 53-nation summit on Monday.
Obama also assured that the United States can further reduce its nuclear weapons stockpile while maintaining its strategic deterrent and international commitments.
Obama told students that he is confident the United States and Russia can jointly reduce their stockpiles of nuclear weapons, building on the successful extension of arms control agreements known as START.
The White House said nuclear weapons reduction continues to be a priority in US relations with Russia, and that Obama will raise it with President-elect Vladimir Putin when they meet in May.
Obama will see outgoing Russian president Dmitry Medvedev later Monday, on the sidelines of a major Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul.
With Medvedev, he signed the current START treaty two years ago.
North Korea warning
But Obama's strongest terms were directed toward North Korea: "By now it should be clear: Your provocations and pursuit of nuclear weapons have not achieved the respect you seek, but undermined it.
"instead of earning the respect of the world, you've been met with sanctions and condemnation. There will be no rewards for provocations. Those days are over.
"To the leaders of Pyonyang, I say, this is the choice before you: Have the courage to pursue peace and give a better life to the people of North Korea."
Iran warning
Obama echoed similar sentiments toward Iran.
"There is time to solve this diplomatically. It is always my preference to solve these issues diplomatically," he said.
"But time is short... Iran must act with the seriousness and sense of urgency that this demands. Iran must meet its obligations."
Obama ended his speech by praising South Korea's handling of nuclear technology in a peaceful and productive way.
Neither Iran or North Korea are participating in the 53-nation summit.
Obama flew on Sunday by helicopter to a US base on the edge of the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) to meet troops and take a first-hand look at one of the world's most heavily fortified frontiers.
Obama's visit to the DMZ also coincided with the end of the 100-day mourning period for the North's long-time leader, Kim Jong-il, who died in December.
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