The Republic of Korea (ROK) and Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) have pledged to build back better through enhancing cooperation at the bilateral, regional and international level for an inclusive and resilient economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and climate crisis.
This collective commitment has been conveyed at the 4th Korea-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, with the theme, “Partnership for a Resilient Pacific and a Co-prosperous Future,” which was convened via videoconference.
The virtual meeting enabled the Government of the Republic of Korea to engage with the Foreign Ministers’ of PICs to reflect on the current areas of collaboration while further exploring the opportunities for deepened engagements in the future.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Chung Eui-yong while chairing the meeting, reaffirmed the Government of Korea’s commitment to advance partnership with the PICs and he also expressed his appreciation for PICs’ continued support for the ROK’s initiatives and efforts in the international arena.
In a congratulatory message delivered on behalf of the Pacific nations, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing, Inia Seruiratu commended the Government of the Republic of Korea for its commitment in convening this timely dialogue and for the opportunity to strengthen collaboration with the Pacific region.
Speaking on regional solidarity, Minister Seruiratu said that the PICs have pursued the region’s collective ambition as the Blue Pacific, striving for enduring partnerships that supports the region’s collective strength, voice and identified priorities.
In this context, Minister Seruiratu acknowledged the Republic of Korea for its commitment in strengthening ties with the Pacific region, both bilaterally and regionally through the Pacific Islands Forum and through the ROK - Pacific Islands Forum Cooperation Fund. The assistance by the Government of Korea delivered through the Korea International Cooperation Agency both at the bilateral and regional level, was commended.
Reflecting on COP26, Minister Seruiratu called for stronger climate ambition and collective cooperation with international partners such as Republic of Korea on our priorities for climate finance for adaptation, loss and damage and recognition and action on the ocean-climate nexus.
He said there is potential development opportunities through multilateralism, on our regionally championed initiatives such as the Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones in the face of Climate-Change related Sea-Level rise and the Pacific Resilience Facility.
Hence, such partnership dialogues are important platforms for progressive discussions on the key areas of interest and development priorities. The Korea-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting takes place every 3 years, with the first meeting held in 2011.
Minister Seruiratu also received a courtesy call from the Korean Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Park Young-kyu, with discussions focusing on the 4th Korea-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the upcoming UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting scheduled for next month.