[Korea] Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Press Releases

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Press Release [Public]

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The Republic of Korea continues to raise concern over the current situation in Ukraine. Earlier this year the Republic of Korea had raised this concern to the Government of Ukraine through its Ambassador to Seoul and its Prime Minister. Prime Minister Jo in a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Prime Minister Yanukovych also raised this concern. Only Ukrainians can determine their future, whatever future that may be. Abrupt seizures of power and disruption of the constitutional process are illegal and wrong. The Republic of Korea strongly condemns the current Ukrainian Government over its actions and we call for an immediate resumption of the Ukrainian Constitution and transfer of authority to relevant authorities. Primarily we call upon the transfer of power from State Security representatives to the President of the Ukrainian Rada.

The Republic of Korea does not support nor endorse coups. What has happened in Ukraine is by all accounts a coup against the elected government. We call for immediate accountability. The Republic of Korea will impose travel sanctions on Ukrainian Government officials until a return to Ukraine's constitution is in order. We will further impose financial sanctions against the Ukrainian Government should these conditions not change. We remain observant of the situation in Ukraine. We call on the international community to raise the pressure on Ukraine to restore the government, ensure the constitutional process of transfer is maintained, and rogue actors do not take advantage of instability.

Korea stands by Ukraine in these tough times. We continue to offer our support following the assassination attempt on the Ukrainian President. We also offer our assistance in fighting corruption and combating internal instigators of instability. However, all of this is contingent on the continued stability of the rule of law and constitution of Ukraine. H.E. President Kim prays for a speedy recovery of his colleague, and continues to offer medical treatment in Korea for President Yushchenko.


H.E. President Kim extended a formal invitation to Turkish Prime Minister Yılmaz for an official visit to Korea. The summit will take place August 7th and will be led by the Turkish Prime Minister and a delegation of cabinet members. Turkey and Korea are strong bilateral partners and maintain a brotherhood between nations. Korea and Turkey are longstanding partners. Our bilateral relationship extends beyond the founding of the modern Turkish and Korean Republics. We welcome Turkey's ongoing efforts to address its internal affairs and bring about an optimal solution while making progress on foreign affairs, democracy, and national security. Korea views Turkey as a strategic partner and we hope to formally sign an agreement bringing our two countries closer and have an official Strategic Partnership. Turkey was the first country to congratulate Korea for its reunification efforts and made a contribution of five million dollars for aid and support. Turkish soldiers built hospitals and schools while deployed to Korea during the Korean War. Turkish Soldiers fought valiantly to defend Korea during its darkest hour. Turkey and Korea's friendship goes beyond conventional terms. We look forward to raising that friendship to new levels.

We will discuss the current situation on the Syrian Border, the Unification of Korea, the situation in the Middle East and Asia, and ways to improve our foreign policy to be more cooperative and supportive of each other. We will discuss an arms agreement to provide Turkey with advanced weapons and defensive equipment, technological transfers to take advantage of our research and development sector, and an upgrade to the bilateral relationship.


H.E. Prime Minister Jo completed a trip to Australia on an official visit. In the ROK-Australia Summit, Korea and Australia agreed to a multi-million arms agreement through the Korean Defense Industry Association as well as a 30-day visa-on-arrival agreement and a trade agreement. These efforts showcase Australia's desires for a leadership role in the Asian-Pacific Community. In our meeting, we were happy to see Australia's vision for a united and cooperative regional order. We hope that Australia's efforts continue to be respective of the unique and diverse cultural and ethnic diversity of Asia as well as its own history in the region. We further hope that Australia's efforts bring about peace and cooperation.

Korea and Australia agreed to strengthen military cooperation, coordinate security and intelligence policies, and work together to address the India Situation. Prime Ministers Jo and Howard agreed the only solution to this situation is a negotiated settlement between the two parties through the constitution of India. Both our countries are ready to provide military assistance to the Indian Government. We urge the international and more specifically the Asian-Pacific Community to work together to address this situation. We are concerned over the political instability of India. Travel restrictions have been imposed on the Communist Party of India and will remain in place until a settlement is properly reached. We urge the CPI and its affiliates to respect the constitution and maintain the rule of law. Korea's Medical Mission will continue to operate as needed. H.E. Director Moon arrived in New Delhi for talks on military cooperation with India and ways to bolster security in South Asia.



On the news of the Spanish-American alliance, Korea welcomes the recent announcement of an alliance between the Republic of Spain and the United States. Spain and Korea have been longstanding partners for global peace and multilateralism. We continue to appreciate and praise Spain's peacemaking and global engagement strategy. From the Romania Crisis, the GAPFOR Peacekeeping Mission, and the Russia Financial Crisis. We have worked extensively with Spain and their recent efforts to build a strong alliance with America is a good sign for the future. We further welcome America's ongoing diplomatic efforts. We hope that ROK-US relations and trilateral ROK-US-Spain relations will continue to grow. Foreign Minister Baek arrived in Honolulu for a US-ROK summit with the Deputy Secretary of State. The two discussed Korean-US ties, improvement on security and trade relations, and geopolitical matters of interest.

Korea sees a strong relationship with the US as beneficial to the security of the Asian-Pacific Region. We hope the US will use its diplomatic credentials to pressure Imperial Japan to forgo its Imperialist Ambitions and adopt a path towards peace and stability. We also hope the US will work with Asian countries to build a safe Asian-Pacific Community. With equal leadership, Korea is certain that the cooperation of Asian and Pacific States can pave the way for global stability and cooperation. We hope that the Spanish-American alliance is the beginning of a US that takes on global security maturely and as a responsible member of the Global Order. The threats the globe faces has shifted and being able to adapt to that threat is crucial. H.E. President Kim extended a letter of congratulations to American Vice President Sinclair and the two exchanged letters for high hopes of ROK-American relations.


H.E. President Kim welcomes the ongoing efforts made by South East Asian countries in infrastructure development and education reforms. We highlight the efforts of Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia as they move forward. We welcome their recent efforts and are ready to support their efforts financially and with technical assistance. Earlier today, Prime Minister Jo spoke with his Thai Counterpart, Prime Minister Chaun and the two discussed Korean-Thai Relations, a program for technical skills and training, and a visa agreement for our citizens. Thailand is a strategic partner of Korea and their ongoing democratization efforts are commendable. Korea and Thailand agreed on a $420 million grant for education and infrastructure. We look forward to working with Indonesia on its multi-billion dollar project to help stabilize Jakarta from floods and earthquakes and to help finance the project. Going into the next year, Korea has observed positive indicators in our region. We look forward to cooperation with our partners and forging new partnerships.

 

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Press Release [Public]

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ASEAN+ Summit

Foreign Minister Baek has left Seoul for the ASEAN Summit in Hanoi. The Foreign Minister will meet with ASEAN Foreign Ministers in the ASEAN+ Dialogue Forum held in Hanoi. Foreign Minister Baek will thank ASEAN partners for inviting Korea and Vietnam for its generosity in hosting the ASEAN Summit. The Minister will coordinate with ASEAN partners Korea's role in supporting the revival of the institution. Alongside addressing other regional priorities, Minister Baek will highlight the strength of Pan-Asian cooperation and unity and a regional bloc to advance trade and development across Asia.

ASEAN has been a close partner with Korea and rising bilateral relations between Korea, Vietnam, & Thailand indicate positive growth for the region. The National Assembly of Korea approved Korea's third trade agreement in Asia. The Korean Government approved a multi-million dollar grant to Thai Students to attend Korean universities and to help co-finance education, health, and other facilities in Thailand. Korean Companies have invested billions into Vietnam over the past year including infrastructure such as high ways and automobiles such as buses.

Minister Baek will reaffirm Korea's commitment to multilateralism and support the efforts of partners in the ASEAN+ Summit. Reminding the importance of ASEAN in Korea's foreign policy and as a building block of Asian cooperation and inter-regional trade, commerce, development, and diplomacy. Minister Baek will return to Seoul after the completion of the summit.

Warsaw Summit

The Republic of Korea strongly condemns any attempt to alter the demographic composition of the Palestinian Territories or further annexations by the Israeli Government. As an occupying power, Israel must respect the indigenous inhabitants of Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, and other pre-1948 boundaries as demarcated by the United Nations. Korea finds any further annexations as running contrary to international law, inflaming the tensions, and damaging of the current situation.

Since the beginning of the occupation, Palestinians has endured decades of suppression and intimidation, with hundreds of thousands displaced and refugees, a stable peace is needed to allow their safe return. Korea supports all efforts for a peaceful solution to the rise in tensions. We welcome Poland's actions in hosting the Warsaw Summit and applaud their efforts to maintain multilateralism and diplomacy to address this crisis. This inhumane occupation of Palestinian land exacerbates the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians. The Israeli Government's actions perpetrate and inflame tensions, prolong the suffering of the Palestinian people, and jeopardize peace in the region. We call on all partners in the region to recourse to diplomacy to address this situation.

We again call on all parties to uphold the current peace and engage in negotiations under the Warsaw Summit. Korea applauds the efforts of regional leaders to attend the summit and offer our continued support to our strategic partners in Warsaw, Ankara, and Washington D.C. to address this situation and find a dignified peace for the Palestinian people.

Jeju Summit

President of the Republic of Korea Kim Dae-jung opened the Jeju Summit in Jeju Self-Governing Province. The President met with American Vice President Sinclair and Vietnamese Vice President Nguyen to facilitate the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the United States of America. The President thanked both officials for their willingness to sit down and discuss their bilateral relations. As strategic partners, Korea values its bilateral relations with the United States and Vietnam. Korea appreciates the trust both partners have put into Korea in hosting the Jeju Summit.

President Kim hosted both Vice Presidents for an exchange of gifts after welcoming the two vice leaders to the Governor's Residence. The President reiterated Korea's support for the normalization of relations between both countries. Thanking both countries for their affirmation of Korea's role as a diplomatic mediator. Both Vice Presidents are expected to discuss a number of bilateral issues including lifting the trade embargo on Vietnam, normalization of diplomatic relations, and trilateral cooperation on trade, commerce, and development between Korea, Vietnam, and the United States. All parties have stressed the need for a durable solution to the issue of normalization of relations. President Kim has welcomed both parties frank conversations and their willingness to find a consensus to the situation.

Korea Nigeria Meeting

Korea thanks the Government of Nigeria for its active efforts for fostering a positive ROK-Nigeria relationship. Minister of National Defense Park will attend the ROK-Nigeria Meeting in the Presidential Palace with H.E. the President of Nigeria. The Korean delegation will consist of the ROK Ambassador, President Kim's Chief Secretary, and a number of government officials. Korea hopes for a strong relationship with the Nigerian people and government. We welcome Nigeria's rising role as a regional power. Seeing Nigeria as critical to the security and stability of the West African and wider African region. We hope Nigeria will leverage its unique skills and capabilities in advancing the cause of the African people and the issues pertaining to the continent. Korea hopes to advance Asian-African cooperation, trade, and development through KOICA and ASEAN.

With wise leadership, Korea is certain that the Nigerian Government is setting a positive tone for bilateral relations. Korea stands ready to assist in the mission statement of the Nigerian Government in restoring hope and advancing the livelihoods of the Nigerian people. President Kim thanked his Nigerian counterpart for the kind exchange of words, outlying his desire to pay a personal visit to Nigeria by the end of the year.

Russia Situation

Following the deteriorating situation in the Far East, Chairman Park of the Korean Armed Forces held a video-call with his Russian counterpart to discuss the situation in the Far East. Chairman Park reaffirmed Korea's commitment to the territorial integrity of Russia, supporting the legitimate Government of Russia, and our desire to play a positive role in addressing this conflict. As neighboring countries, Korea faces the direct consequences of the various factional actors in the Far East. The Chairman thanked Russia for their honesty and transparency in the situation in the Far East. Chairman Park made it clear Korea's position on the advance of rebels towards the Korean-Russian Border and Korea's security concerns.

Korea will not close its border with Russia at this time and continues to actively monitor the situation in Vladivostok. Korea made it clear that we will not at this time take unilateral action across the border. Consultation and cooperation with the Russian Government will remain a crucial component of Korea's actions in relation to the growing situation. Chairman Park and his Russian counterpart discussed how to achieve common objectives in the Far East. The Chairman pledged Korea's support for combating violent non-state actors in the Far East and Korea's willingness to support Government Forces embattled in the East.

Foreign Minister Baek and US Secretary of State Fitzgerald held conversations earlier this year regarding the situation in Russia. The Foreign Minister has also discussed the situation with the Vice President of Vietnam. Korea thanked both countries for their previous concern and consultations with Korea. The Foreign Minister will reach out to her counterparts in Washington D.C. and Hanoi regarding the situation. The Foreign Minister is expected to raise the Russian Civil War situation to the ASEAN+ Forum after the completion of the current round of discussions.

Foreign Minister Baek will discuss how to find a durable solution to the situation and countering malicious extremist groups in the Far East. The Korean Government has outlined its rejection of the legitimacy of any ideological militias acting in the Far East and their political wings. The Minister will make clear Korea's national security concerns regarding the border with Russia, destabilization of the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, and reigniting tensions between Korea and its neighbors due to possible spillovers. The Foreign Minister has reaffirmed the imperativeness of Korea working with its close partners in the United States, Vietnam, Spain, and Russia in addressing this situation.

South Africa Situation

The Republic of Korea presented an emergency resolution co-signed by the United States regarding the Swedish Occupation of South Africa. The Republic of Korea condemns Sweden's actions in South Africa in violation of the South African peoples' right for self-determination, political independence, and sovereignty. Korea submitted the resolution to the Global Assembly earlier this week for opening of debate, outlining Sweden's violation of international law. Korea and the United States affirmed their mutual disappointment in the actions of Sweden and joined in presenting the resolution.

Korea urges the immediate cessation of the occupation of South Africa, rescinding of the appointment of a Swedish Governor-General, freeze of all procurement of South African intellectual property by Swedish corporations and Government, and implementation of a Global Assembly peacekeeping mission, and Sweden's support for the Global Assemblies efforts. Korea urges Sweden to take positive steps in ending the occupation and colonization of South Africa. Korea rejects the colonial mindset and justifications for an illegitimate Swedish presence.

Ambassador Oh has presented the resolution alongside American Ambassador Adams in hopes for the independence of the South African people to be achieved in line with their desires and aspirations, through legal means, and inline with international law. Reaffirming Korea and the United State's view on the illegitimacy of the occupation, Korea calls for international cooperation to address the unilateral actions by Sweden and reverse the occupation of South Africa. Korea offers its support to South African leaders such as Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists and leaders in formulating an independent government. Korea urges a speedy resolution to this situation.