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“At the ARF level, hope to send a unified message calling for a peaceful solution through the early resumption of dialogue”
Emphasizing the maintenance of peace and stability on the issue of the South China Sea … Adoption of the ‘Hanoi Plan of Action II’ in participating countries
The Vice Minister of the United States and Chinese Vice President Luo Jaohui attended.
In addition to Korea and 10 ASEAN countries, 27 countries, including the United States, China and Japan, attended this meeting. United States Undersecretary of State Stephen Biegan, China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Luo Zhaohui, and North Korea’s Ambassador to Indonesia Ahn Kwang-il, North Korea.
Minister Kang is evaluating the role of ARF in a situation where cooperation between countries is important to respond effectively to new international threats to health and safety caused by the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19). He emphasized that it will strengthen regional cooperation and global solidarity. The foreign ministers of the participating countries We agree that strengthening cooperation in health at the multilateral level is necessary to respond to and recover from Corona 19, and we note the importance of the issue of fair distribution of the Corona 19 vaccine along with sharing information and sharing the best experiences.
Participating countries also adopted a ‘statement on cooperation in response to infectious diseases’, evaluating ARI as a useful mechanism to discuss COVID-19, a new challenge and safety issue. The statement contained details such as sharing information for an effective joint response to infectious diseases, ensuring fair and equitable access to vaccines, opening the market and maintaining supply chain connectivity, and ensuring the movement of essential personnel.
In particular, explaining the progress of the peace process on the Korean Peninsula, Minister Kang emphasized that the government will continue to make diplomatic efforts for complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula on the basis of the historic agreements of the leaders of the two Koreas.
Minister Kang said: “It is difficult to resolve the mistrust that has persisted for a long time on the Korean Peninsula in a short period of time, but it is possible to resolve the problem on the Korean Peninsula only through continuous dialogue and cooperation.” . I hope to send it, “he said.
He emphasized that inter-Korean cooperation, which is part of the Korean Peninsula issue, is the cornerstone of peace on the Korean Peninsula, and under the new security situation caused by the recent Crown 19, etc. He explained the effort by. Consequently, the ministers of the participating countries agree that peace and stability on the Korean peninsula are closely linked to peace and prosperity in the region. Mentioned.
We also discussed the issue of the South China Sea, which is increasing tensions. Minister Kang emphasized the importance of implementing the demilitarization commitment, expressing South Korea’s consistent position in supporting the freedom of navigation and the freedom to fly in the air. He said: “In a situation where the difficulties of each country are exacerbated by Corona 19, it is very important to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.”
Regarding the Rakhain problem in Myanmar, he said that he is promoting humanitarian aid of $ 5.5 million this year to refugees suffering from the recent spread of Corona 19, hoping to create an environment for safe, voluntary and dignified return. of refugees living in Bangladesh. .
Furthermore, he stressed the need to remain vigilant on non-traditional security issues. In a situation where the importance of ICT and cybersecurity intensified as the proportion of online activities increased with the spread of Corona 19, the company promised to co-chair the ARF ICT Security Interval Meeting of 2021 to help strengthen cooperation in ICT and cybersecurity within ARF. The doctor also expressed.
Meanwhile, Minister Kang Kyung-wha emphasized our willingness to contribute to the peacekeeping operation to build peace and security in the region, and encouraged the participation and support of ARF member states in the ‘Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Peacekeeping Affairs of the UN ‘to be held in Seoul next April. Order.
Participating countries will adopt the ‘Hanoi Action Plan II’, which outlines ARF’s future development direction for the next five years, and expects cooperation through ARF, such as confidence-building and preventive diplomacy, continue to play a key role for peace and prosperity in the region. did.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “The meeting of the foreign ministers should strengthen international security cooperation with the consensus that the role of ARF in responding to traditional and non-traditional security threats is important in the current situation where uncertainty and unrest in the region are increasing due to COVID-19. It was an opportunity to unite our will. “
Reporter Lim Cheol-young [email protected]
