North Korea has called for the safe release of the 21 South Koreans held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The Associated Press quoted a member of North Korea’s delegation to the 14th ASEAN Regional Forum, Jung Song-il, as saying Wednesday in Manila that Pyongyang hopes the 21 South Koreans will return home safely.

The official’s comment marks the first time for the communist state to issue a statement on the abduction of the Koreans that occurred 15 days ago.

Jung stressed that his country stands firm on its position of opposing all types of terrorism.

The United States designated North Korea as a terror-sponsoring country after the 1987 bombing of Korean Air Flight 858 that killed all 115 passengers on board.

Pyongyang has continuously been urging for its removal from the list.