Adoption of Korea-SICA Joint Declaration... "Cooperation in New Areas Such as Green and Digital"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The heads of state of the Republic of Korea and the Central American Integration System (SICA) member countries adopted a joint declaration expressing their commitment to promote cooperation in new areas such as green and digital sectors, as well as economic, social, and cultural collaboration between Korea and SICA.

The Blue House announced on the morning of the 25th that during the '4th Korea-SICA Summit' held via video conference, the leaders adopted the 'Korea-SICA Summit Joint Declaration' outlining this vision for cooperation.

Both sides welcomed the historic year marking the 200th anniversary of Latin American independence, the 30th anniversary of SICA's establishment, and the 25th anniversary of the first Korea-SICA Summit, celebrating the summit's first meeting in 11 years since the 3rd summit.

Furthermore, taking this summit as an opportunity, Korea and SICA member countries agreed to build a new comprehensive cooperative relationship based on their traditional friendly ties. The leaders agreed on the importance of digital transformation and a green economy, and committed to continuing dialogue to achieve future-oriented development based on cooperation in new fields including green and digital sectors. They evaluated the significance of the Korea-Central America Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which came into effect in March, and agreed to discuss the accession of other SICA countries such as Guatemala to the Korea-Central America FTA.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At this meeting, President Moon announced plans to consider establishing a 'Korea-SICA Cooperation Center' domestically to promote cooperation in various fields including economy, society, and culture between Korea and SICA member countries, and expressed willingness to resume the Korea-SICA Cooperation Fund projects. He also pledged to contribute to equitable access to vaccines for developing countries including the SICA region by expanding contributions to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC).

The SICA leaders welcomed Korea’s decision, announced during the Korea-US summit in May, to provide $220 million over four years starting in 2021 to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, and also actively welcomed Korea becoming a permanent member of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) in August.

The SICA leaders appreciated the Korean government’s efforts toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace, and agreed on the necessity to promptly resume dialogue with North Korea. They supported the Korean government’s continued efforts for concrete progress in the peace process on the Korean Peninsula and emphasized the importance of dialogue, engagement, and cooperation between the two Koreas.

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