Ministry of Foreign Affairs Forms 'Arctic Club in Korea' with Embassies in Korea Including the US and Russia

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 22nd that it has formed the ‘Arctic Club in Korea’ to enhance Arctic-related cooperation among Korea and the seven Arctic countries.

As the first event, a working luncheon was held on the same day between Arctic Cooperation Representative Kwon Se-jung and the ambassadors of the seven Arctic countries: the United States, Russia, Canada, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden.

The ‘Arctic Club in Korea’ is an informal exchange platform proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance the effectiveness of the Korean government’s existing bilateral and multilateral Arctic cooperation policies. It holds quarterly meetings with the ambassadors of the seven Arctic countries active in Korea to freely and sincerely discuss cooperation measures.

Representative Kwon Se-jung shared opinions on Arctic cooperation measures between Korea and the Arctic countries through the proposed working luncheon, as well as on the serious impacts of global environmental pollution such as climate change and marine environmental pollution on the Arctic region and possible responses.

Representative Kwon said, "'Arctic Club in Korea,' although planned to operate informally, is expected to strengthen agenda setting and cooperation by holding regular dialogues on Arctic cooperation with the Arctic ambassadors active in Korea, thereby enhancing the substance of existing official bilateral Arctic councils and the hosting and participation in Arctic international forums."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to promote △ visits to the Polar Research Institute, △ inspection of the icebreaker research vessel Araon, and △ cultural events starting with this luncheon. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said, "The ambassadors of the seven Arctic countries will better understand Korea’s Arctic activities and contributions and will continue to strive for close Arctic cooperation between Korea and the Arctic countries."