Presidential Office: "Asia's First Downing Agreement... Yoon Personally Devised and Proposed It to the UK"

Recognition of the Need to Elevate Diplomatic Relations with the UK and Korea

On the 21st (local time), the Presidential Office stated that the 'Downing Street Accord,' which Korea and the United Kingdom are set to adopt, "officially signifies a new commitment to Korea-UK relations." The accord, named after Downing Street where the Prime Minister's residence is located, was first conceived and proposed directly to the UK by President Yoon, marking the first such initiative by an Asian country. The UK government's acceptance of President Yoon's proposal is interpreted as recognition of the necessity to elevate diplomatic relations with Korea to overcome global complex crises and achieve future prosperity.

A senior official from the Presidential Office explained during a press briefing held in London on the same day, "(The UK) is the first Asian country to attach the name 'Downing Street Accord' (to this agreement)." On the 22nd, President Yoon is scheduled to hold a Korea-UK summit with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing Street, where they will elevate bilateral relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" and adopt the Downing Street Accord outlining future cooperation.

It is extremely rare for the UK to use the term Downing Street in agreements or declarations with other countries. Previously, John Major, the UK Prime Minister in 1993, and Albert Reynolds, the Irish Prime Minister, resolved political disputes between Ireland and the UK through the 'Downing Street Declaration.'

President Yoon Suk-yeol is shaking hands with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Korea-UK summit held on May 20 at the Grand Prince Hotel, the venue of the Hiroshima G7 Summit. [Image source=Yonhap News]

While the UK previously conducted Asia-Pacific diplomacy based out of Japan, it is expected to pursue a diplomatic strategy that prioritizes Korea in the future. The official explained, "This signifies the UK's commitment, as a leading European country, to the many important issues it must pursue with Korea, a central country in the Asia-Pacific region."

As the UK, one of the UN Security Council permanent members, seeks to deepen relations with Korea, it is expected that Korea will gain momentum in its leap toward becoming a global pivotal state. The Downing Street Accord will comprehensively reflect the fundamental principles and directions of bilateral relations. It will include joint positions on global issues such as the North Korean nuclear issue and the Korean Peninsula, the Ukraine crisis, the Indo-Pacific, and Middle East regional situations, as well as cooperation in three major areas: security, economy, and sustainable future collaboration.

Additionally, Korea and the UK plan to expand joint military exercises and promote maritime joint patrols to enforce UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea. Furthermore, the two countries will sign a letter of intent for a defense cooperation partnership, a joint defense industry export MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), and a 'strategic cyber partnership.'

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