South Korea confirmed on Tuesday that it remains listed on the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Sensitive Countries List, a designation that places Seoul alongside nations such as China, Russia and North Korea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) told reporters that it has not received any notification about its removal from the list.

A MOFA official added that the government “assumes it is now in effect” as of April 15. “During the meeting with the former U.S. Secretary of Energy on March 20, both sides agreed to cooperate in resolving the issue promptly through due process,” the ministry told Korea Pro. While director-level consultations are ongoing, “as the matter is proceeding in accordance with internal procedures on the U.S. side, it is expected to take more time,” it added.