(VOVworld) – South Korea’s acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on Monday vowed to strongly respond to North Korea's growing nuclear threats through close international cooperation.

South Korea’s acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn

His remarks came a day after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said Pyongyang is in the closing phase of preparations to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile. Hwang also pledged to expand diplomatic cooperation with the United States, Japan, China and Russia, stressing he would ensure there would not be any foreign policy vacuum despite President Park Geun-hye being suspended after her impeachment last month over a corruption scandal.

During his speech, Hwang outlined the government's policy priorities for the new year, focusing on enhancing national defense, revitalizing the economy, securing future growth engines and ensuring public safety.