President Moon holds virtual summit with Danish Prime Minister

Ahead of the P4G Seoul Green Future Summit, Summit Talks... Strengthening Cooperation with Denmark, a Renewable Energy Powerhouse

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the 30th, President Moon Jae-in held a virtual summit with Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen ahead of the opening of the 'P4G Seoul Green Future Summit.'

The Blue House explained, "This summit is a meeting with Denmark, the host of the first P4G summit, held just before the opening ceremony of the P4G Seoul Green Future Summit, the first multilateral environmental summit hosted by our country," adding, "It signals the successful start of the two-day summit."

Both leaders stated in a joint declaration that "the Republic of Korea and Denmark have maintained a long-standing friendly relationship and share a partnership based on a common commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and free trade."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

They also said, "The P4G Summit is an important stepping stone for the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) held in Glasgow," and "Both countries will actively work together to encourage nations, institutions, and the private sector to develop and promote practical solutions to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century in accordance with the Paris Agreement."

Prime Minister Frederiksen stated that Denmark is also striving to realize the 2050 carbon neutrality vision and hopes that both countries will continue their efforts toward carbon neutrality. President Moon emphasized that energy transition through renewable energy is an essential task in responding to climate change. He requested attention to ensure that the cooperative relationship with Denmark, which has global competitiveness in the renewable energy sector, is steadily maintained.

The two leaders welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding related to offshore wind power between companies from both countries on the occasion of the P4G Seoul Green Future Summit and hoped for the activation of cooperation encompassing both public and private sectors. The two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a ‘Comprehensive Green Strategic Partnership’ this year based on this summit.

In the joint declaration, the leaders explained, "The elevated relationship better reflects the deep cooperation between the two countries in a wide range of fields including renewable energy, sustainability, green transition, life sciences and health, technological innovation, and political and economic cooperation."

The joint declaration also stated, "Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, both sides agreed to explore possibilities for sharing experiences regarding COVID-19 vaccines, pandemic prevention, and response preparedness. Discussions were held on lifting travel restrictions and global vaccine access, with both sides emphasizing that ensuring free movement, especially the unrestricted movement of businesspeople, is a priority."

Meanwhile, President Moon proposed continuing cooperation in the shipping sector with Denmark, which owns Maersk Line, the world's largest shipping company.

Prime Minister Frederiksen responded that he hopes both countries can continue to seek sustainable development plans for the shipping industry together.

President Moon suggested strengthening cooperation, noting that the Gulf of Guinea and other West African coastal areas are regions seriously threatened by piracy, and the Danish Prime Minister also pledged that both countries will closely cooperate to combat piracy and promote freedom of navigation.

In the joint declaration, the two leaders discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Prime Minister Frederiksen confirmed that Denmark supports the South Korean government's efforts to continuously engage North Korea to achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula."

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