South Korea vows more cooperation with Pacific Islands

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who led the Inaugural Korea-Pacific Islands Summit promised more “win-win cooperation” with Summit participants.

The event was attended by the leaders of the 10 member states of the Pacific Islands Forum (FIP), as well as representatives of the French territories of French Polynesia and New Caledonia. Also present were deputy prime ministers and ministers from countries such as Fiji, Samoa, Nauru, Australia and New Zealand.

During the summit, issues related to cooperation between South Korea and the Pacific island nations, as well as the state of the region and cooperation on the international scene, were discussed.

In his opening remarks, Yoon stressed the importance of forging a sustainable cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and trust. She referred to the implementation of Korea’s Strategy for a Free, Peaceful and Prosperous Indo-Pacific Region, stressing the importance of building a win-win partnership.

In the first session, strengthening bilateral cooperation between South Korea and the Pacific island nations was discussed. Yoon vowed to expand bilateral communication, increasing the number of diplomatic missions in the region and enhancing mutual understanding.

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He also mentioned the increase in official development aid and the implementation of personalized projects for each nation in terms of development cooperation.

In the second session, the state of the region and cooperation on the international scene were discussed. The South Korean president stressed the need for strong solidarity among all parties to address the complex threats facing the Indo-Pacific region, such as climate change, health, the food crisis and the digital divide.

In addition, a resolute response was proposed, in collaboration with the Pacific island nations, to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and provocations.

The summit concluded with the release of the Action Plan for Pacific Freedom, Peace and Prosperity, which sets the direction for future cooperation between South Korea and the Pacific island nations.