Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Promote Future-Oriented Projects Including Supply Chain with the U.S. Next Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to actively promote future-oriented cooperative projects with the United States next year in areas such as supply chains and advanced technologies.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 23rd the main contents of the '2022 Major Task Implementation Plan' reported in writing to President Moon Jae-in.

According to the work plan, the ROK-US alliance will be developed into a comprehensive alliance contributing to peace on the Korean Peninsula, the region, and the world, and the partnership at regional and global levels will be strengthened based on shared values between the two countries.

In emerging and core technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), information and communications, data, quantum technology, biotechnology, space, and new materials, the plan is to lead innovation through strategic cooperation with the United States.

In May, the ROK and the US expanded their existing security-centered alliance relationship into a comprehensive partnership addressing global challenges together at the summit, and the US recently emphasized Korea's role on the global stage.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that strategic communication between the ROK-US leaders and high-level officials will continue to strengthen cooperation, and current issues such as the return of the Yongsan base site will be managed in a mutually beneficial and rational manner.

With China, the plan is to promote a mature strategic cooperative partnership. Utilizing major occasions such as the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in August next year, high-level exchanges and various communications will be strengthened.

However, the previously planned visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Korea was not specified in the work plan. This is interpreted as considering uncertainties due to COVID-19 and the fact that the Moon Jae-in administration's term ends in May next year.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yeo Seung-bae said at a briefing that “There is a shared recognition that smooth communication at all levels, including the heads of state, is important for the development of bilateral relations,” and “Regarding the summit, close communication is ongoing between Korea and China.”

Some interpret the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' report on “strengthening efforts for issue management and conflict prevention between Korea and China” as reflecting the increasing sensitivity of variables in relations with China amid intensified US-China competition.

Regarding Korea-Japan relations, the Ministry maintained the policy of seeking resolution of historical issues while separating and promoting practical cooperation.

Regarding inter-Korean relations, the Ministry reported that “We will focus on leading North Korea to dialogue through creative and diverse engagement ideas,” and “We will continue cooperation and coordination with related countries for confidence-building measures including a declaration to formally end the Korean War, and humanitarian cooperation with North Korea.”

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