KF뉴스레터-Korean Foreign Relations Goals for 2009 Set Out

Korean Foreign Relations Goals for 2009 Set Out

Yu Myung-hwan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea, gave a speech at the 12th Korea Foundation Forum on February 18, held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in downtown Seoul. The event was attended by the majority of the international diplomatic corps in Korea and by representatives from the domestic and foreign press. Speaking on “Korea’s Foreign Policy Focus in 2009”, Minister Yu gave an overview of the most important priorities in the foreign policy of the Korean government for the year. In 2008, the first year of the Lee Myung-bak Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade focused on building the new foreign policy framework of the country. Building a “Global Korea,” through a “creative and pragmatic” approach, was the goal, and it remains the overall policy focus of the government this year.

Minister Yu first pointed out the achievements of the Korean diplomacy, such as enhanced bilateral relations with neighbouring countries and more expanded friendships with countries all around the world. Korea agreed with the U.S. to develop the ROK-U.S. alliance into a “21st Century Strategic Alliance,” and with Japan to build a “Mature, Future-Oriented Partnership.” Korea also established “Strategic Cooperative Partnerships” with China and Russia. With Asian countries, including the ASEAN, Korea has promoted the “New Asia Cooperative Diplomacy.” Korea also expanded cooperation with resource-rich countries in Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. With the EU, Korea has strived to work toward a “Comprehensive Partnership.” Also, Korea played an active part in the international arena by participating in the G-8 Toyako Summit in July and the G-20 Washington Financial Summit in November, contributing in the discussions on global issues and global governance.

The Minister then analyzed the current international diplomatic environment. He admitted that the circumstances both in and out of the country are not very favourable. The current international economic crisis is taking new turns every week, and uncertainties in the political and security environment loom as well. The foreign policy lines of the new U.S. administration are expected to bring changes in the international order.
Moreover, the ever-unstable North Korean nuclear issues play an important factor in the security of the Korean Peninsula. In order to maneuver the foreign policy goals in these uncertain times, the Korean government has set several priorities for the year 2009. These are: 1) revitalizing the economy; 2) expanding the ROK-U.S. Strategic Alliance; and 3) achieving progress in the North Korean nuclear issue.
The first and foremost priority of the Korean foreign ministry for this year is to pursue diplomatic efforts to revitalize the national economy. For this goal, the Ministry will participate actively in international discussions such as the G-20 Financial Summit and continue to work closely with major economies to prevent protectionism, which is gaining strength amidst the international economic crisis. Concrete steps are being taken, including the appointment of a Presidential Special Envoy to various countries to facilitate Korea’s accession to the Financial Stability Forum (FSF). Establishing free trade agreements (FTAs) with the U.S., the EU, and India, taking part in the WTO Doha Development Agenda rounds, and paving the way to expand Korea’s export markets are parts of the plans.
The ROK-U.S. Strategic Alliance forms the keystone of Korea’s foreign policy, and the Ministry will strive to expand and solidify that relationship. The visit to Korea by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton presents a valuable opportunity for indepth discussions on matters of mutual interest, including the development of the ROK-U.S. alliance and the North Korean nuclear issue. Through close consultations with the new Obama Administration, Korea will endeavor to strengthen mutual cooperation, not only in the realm of security, but in the political, social, cultural, and economic fields as well. Lastly, Minister Yu emphasized the importance of making substantial progress with the North Korean nuclear issue.
The year 2008 passed without an agreement on a verification protocol at the Six-Party Talks. Now the partner countries face the task of completing the second phase of denuclearization and embarking on the third phase of the North Korean nuclear disarmament accord, without an agreement on the first phase. With the goal of making substantive progress in denuclearization, including the setting up of a verification mechanism, the Ministry will strengthen cooperation and coordination with the other members of the Six-Party Talks. In particular, the Ministry will consult closely with the new U.S. government in preparing both a short-term and a longer-term strategy to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.
Along with these main priorities, the Korean government will also continue to take an active part in the resolution of the overall global issues. A clean environment for the world is an issue of great interest. Creating a new engine for growth is another. Korea will focus on expanding global FTA networks, strengthening resource and energy cooperation, and building international consensus for the policy of “Low Carbon, Green Growth” being promoted by the government. Also, Korea plans to enhance the country’s role and standing as a responsible member of the international community. Participation in international organizations, expanding peace-keeping deployment, and allotting more resources for the overseas development assistance will work toward that goal.
After Minister Yu’s speech, a question-and-answer session followed. Many questions were posed concerning the North Korean nuclear issue, as it is the most urgent and pressing issue of the moment. Minister Yu made it clear that the nuclear issue is a multilateral process, within the partnership of the Six-Party Talks. The recent threats made by North Korea are not helpful in the process, he said, and he urged North Korea to comply with the basic principles that are agreed upon by the partners in the nuclear disarmament process and with the terms specified in the UN Resolution 1718. He emphasized that complying with the verification agreements will show the willingness of North Korea in the denuclearization process. However, Minister Yu also assured the representatives of other countries that they will receive sincere attention of the Korean government in maintaining friendly diplomatic relations. He mentioned the specific plans that the Ministry has in store for the year to work with the countries, including holding Summit meetings with the EU, expediting the negotiation process concerning the Korea-EU FTA, holding talks with MERCOSUR countries in settling FTAs, and sending various forms of support to Afghanistan, including joint projects with Japan in the agricultural sector.

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Korean Foreign Relations Goals for 2009 Set Out

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Korean Foreign Relations Goals for 2009 Set Out

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