Park Jin: "North Korea's Practical Denuclearization Is the Right Decision for the Future"

IFANS International Conference Keynote Speech
"International Cooperation Essential for Realizing a Global Hub Nation"

Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Foreign Minister Park Jin recently urged North Korea, which has been escalating nuclear test threats along with repeated provocations, to "begin substantive denuclearization and accept President Yoon Suk-yeol's 'Bold Initiative' to make the right decision for its future."

In a keynote virtual speech at the 2022 International Affairs Conference hosted by the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security (IFANS) of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy on the 2nd, Minister Park stated, "Peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula have been threatened by North Korea's provocations."

Minister Park pointed out, "North Korea is now preparing for its 7th nuclear test," and added, "North Korea is threatening that it may use tactical nuclear weapons not only for deterrence but also for war purposes." He also emphasized that "a stern and united response from the international community is more necessary than ever to prevent North Korea's provocations."

Minister Park noted that today’s world faces not only the resurgence of traditional geopolitical conflicts such as the intensified competition between the United States and China but also transnational crises like food and energy issues, emphasizing the importance of realizing the South Korean government's diplomatic policy of becoming a 'Global Pivotal State' amid this complex security environment.

He said, "Korea cannot realize the Global Pivotal State alone," and added, "International cooperation is essential." As representative examples of the new government's international cooperation, he cited the Korea-US alliance, which has developed into a global comprehensive strategic alliance, and the direction-setting of Korea-Japan relations that emphasizes facing the past while building a future-oriented partnership.

Regarding relations with China, he explained, "We will strengthen communication and strategic dialogue to prevent misunderstandings between the two countries," and stated, "We aim to conduct firm and unwavering diplomacy based on principles related to national security and our cultural and historical identity." He also added, "Now that China has a new leadership, we hope the momentum for high-level exchanges between the two countries will be maintained."

He introduced that Korea is independently preparing an Indo-Pacific strategy to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, saying, "This strategy is based on ASEAN’s perspective on the Indo-Pacific and grounded in our respect for ASEAN centrality."

Minister Park concluded his speech by noting that the English abbreviation of Global Pivotal State (GPS) is the same as the Global Positioning System, saying, "GPS tells me where I am now and which direction to navigate through rough currents," and expressed hope that "today’s conference will be an opportunity to discover Korea’s leadership in finding the path to regional freedom, peace, and prosperity."

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