Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "No Official Request Received for Quad Participation... Cooperation on a Case-by-Case Basis Possible"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it has not officially received any request to participate in the security consultative group 'Quad,' centered around the United States.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the morning of the 6th at the Ministry's building in Seoul, "Reports in some media or claims that we rejected a request to join the Quad are completely untrue."

The official added, "We hold the position that cooperation with any consultative group is possible if it aligns with openness, transparency, inclusiveness, and contributes to global peace and prosperity," and "We can explore issue-specific cooperation with Quad countries in areas where our contribution and leading cooperation are possible," leaving open the possibility of some cooperation.

Regarding criticisms that South Korea is 'passive on global issues,' the official emphasized attendance at the Group of Seven (G7) summits and cooperation on health and climate change, stating, "It is absolutely untrue that we are passive or voluntarily isolating ourselves."

The official also stressed cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region centered on the New Southern Policy, saying, "We have agreed to coordinate cooperation in the Indo-Pacific not only with the United States but also with Australia, and we can pursue linked cooperation with Japan, India, and also promote cooperation with China's Belt and Road Initiative."

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