Kang Kyung-hwa Requests International Support for 'Korean Peninsula Peace Process' at EAS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Exchange of Opinions on Regional and International Affairs Including the Korean Peninsula Issue
Emphasis on "Peaceful Resolution of Disputes through Dialogue" Regarding the South China Sea Issue

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha attended the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, where she discussed the achievements of EAS cooperation and future cooperation directions, exchanging views on regional and international situations including the Korean Peninsula issue.

On the 9th, the EAS Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held consecutively via video conference following the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the Korea-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Participants included the 10 ASEAN countries as well as South Korea, China, Japan, the United States, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and India.

Minister Kang stated, "As the East Asian region rapidly grows geopolitically and economically, the EAS has played the role of a top-level strategic forum led by heads of state," adding, "The scope of discussions has expanded beyond key regional issues such as the Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea, and regional cooperation initiatives to include regional health security and women, security, and peace agendas such as COVID-19 response."

Minister Kang particularly noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, and considering the ongoing efforts to adopt a related statement at this year's EAS Summit, she expressed her commitment by saying, "The Korean government, as a co-sponsor, will continue to contribute to the advancement of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda." She also emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

She continued, Minister Kang said, "The response to the spread of COVID-19 has served as an opportunity to confirm the necessity of regional cooperation and collaboration," adding, "It is directly linked to maintaining regional peace and security to consolidate the political will of leaders in the EAS, a summit-led consultative body, to strengthen and institutionalize infectious disease response, and the Korean government will actively participate in and support these discussions."

She also requested international support for the Korean Peninsula peace process. Minister Kang acknowledged difficulties in progress over the past year but emphasized, "Efforts must continue for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace in accordance with the vision and strategic directions presented in the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration, the September 19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration, and the Singapore Joint Statement by the leaders of South Korea, North Korea, and the United States." She requested international support, including from the EAS, for the Korean government's efforts to faithfully implement agreements and promptly resume dialogue.

Furthermore, she explained the Korean government's efforts and firm commitment to improving the lives of North Korean residents and advancing inter-Korean relations through cooperation in areas such as quarantine, healthcare, and humanitarian fields amid emerging non-traditional security threats like COVID-19. Participating ministers mentioned the importance of promptly resuming dialogue and implementing agreements among the South Korean, North Korean, and U.S. leaders for denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula, as well as the necessity of implementing UN Security Council resolutions.

Regarding the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Minister Kang reiterated, "Peace and stability in the South China Sea are important for regional prosperity," emphasizing, "It is important to guarantee freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea waters and to resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue." She added, "We expect that actions that could escalate tensions or worsen the situation in the South China Sea will be prevented, commitments to demilitarization will be implemented, and consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea will proceed in accordance with international law and respect the rights and interests of all countries."

Meeting participants agreed to cooperate and develop various regional initiatives based on the core principles of openness, inclusiveness, transparency, and respect for international law as presented in the 'ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.'

Minister Kang expressed support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and said, "The Korean government's New Southern Policy is expected to harmoniously cooperate with various countries' regional cooperation initiatives," adding, "Let us strengthen regional connectivity for mutual prosperity."

Meanwhile, at the meeting, participants agreed to continue constructive discussions on the challenges facing the international community and to closely consult to ensure that relevant outcomes such as the 'Hanoi Declaration' commemorating the 15th anniversary of the EAS launch and other statements, which are planned to be adopted at this year's EAS Summit, will be effectively produced.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.