'Cooperation for Lasting Peace on the Korean Peninsula' Minister Kang Kyung-wha Holds Series of Talks with Danish, Spanish, and German Ministers in Munich, Germany

Sharing Assessments on Security Situation in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia... Reaffirming Solidarity and Support for the Korean Government's Efforts to Establish Peace on the Peninsula
Meeting with UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO) Deputy Secretary-General during the Munich Security Conference

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a series of talks on the 15th (local time) with Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod, Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonz?lez Laya, and others on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) held in Munich, Germany. She also held a meeting with German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.

Minister Kang first met with Danish Foreign Minister Kofod and evaluated that various commemorative events were held last year to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples. She also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the climate sector between Denmark, the founding country and host of the 1st P4G Summit, and Korea, the host of the 2nd P4G Summit this year, under the "Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G)".

Minister Kang particularly expressed hope that practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries would accelerate through the adoption of a new Joint Action Plan between the two countries. She also requested active participation from Denmark, a founding member country of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), which is planning commemorative events linked to the P4G Summit this year, marking the 10th anniversary of GGGI's establishment.

In response, Minister Kofod promised Denmark's support for Korea's hosting of the 2nd P4G Summit and expressed hope to continue strengthening cooperation between the two countries on climate change response and sustainable development through the annual Green Growth Alliance meetings held since 2011.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha and Minister of Foreign Affairs Arancha Gonzalez Laya of Spain.

Minister Kang and Spanish Foreign Minister Gonz?lez Laya welcomed the active high-level exchanges, including the visit of the Spanish King to Korea last October, which deepened practical cooperation between the two countries. They emphasized the importance of maintaining continuous momentum for exchanges and smoothly implementing follow-up measures after the summit to further develop bilateral relations.

Additionally, Minister Kang explained the 2nd P4G Summit scheduled to be held in Seoul this June and requested Spain's interest and attendance, as Spain was the host of COP25 last year. Minister Gonz?lez Laya responded by appreciating Korea's efforts to address climate change and said she would consider Spain's participation in the P4G Summit.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha and German Minister of Defense Kramp-Karrenbauer.

Minister Kang then met with German Defense Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer and evaluated the close and friendly cooperative relationship that Korea and Germany have continuously developed. She also welcomed the fact that the two countries are closely cooperating based on major defense agreements concluded between them.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Minister Kang shared assessments of the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia with the foreign and defense ministers of Denmark, Spain, and Germany, and expressed hope to closely cooperate for complete denuclearization and the establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula." He added, "The foreign ministers met this time reaffirmed their solidarity and support for our government's efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula."

Meanwhile, Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a meeting with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations at the United Nations (UN), and announced plans to hold the 4th Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting in 2021, the 30th anniversary of Korea's UN membership, to further enhance Korea's contributions to UN peace and security.

At the meeting, Minister Kang introduced Korea as a major troop-contributing country and the 10th largest financial contributor to UN peace operations, diversifying contributions in training, technology, and medical fields to the UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKO). In response, Under-Secretary-General Lacroix praised the Korean military units dispatched to UN peacekeeping missions for their discipline and organizational excellence and evaluated Korea's expanding role and contributions across UN peace operations.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Both sides agreed to closely cooperate to achieve concrete and practical outcomes through the meeting."

Minister Kang expressed hope that more opportunities would be provided for capable Korean talents to demonstrate their abilities in the UN peace and security field and requested Under-Secretary-General Lacroix's special support and attention," the official added.