Minister Kang Kyung-hwa to Attend ASEAN Member States' Embassy Chiefs Meeting on the 3rd... Discussing Directions for New Southern Policy Development

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Careful Review of GSOMIA Termination Depending on Trends in Japan Export Control Discussions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will preside over a meeting of ASEAN and heads of missions from each member country on the 3rd.

On the 2nd, spokesperson Kim In-cheol explained at a regular briefing, "At this meeting, measures to strengthen strategic cooperation with ASEAN, a key partner of our New Southern Policy in the post-COVID-19 international environment, will be discussed," adding, "Park Bok-young, chairman of the New Southern Policy Special Committee, will also attend to exchange opinions on the development direction of the New Southern Policy."

Regarding the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong triggered by China's Hong Kong National Security Law, he stated that it is important for the principle of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's prosperity and development to continue, expressing respect for the contents of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Spokesperson Kim responded, "We continue to pay close attention to the Hong Kong issue," adding, "Hong Kong is an important region with close human and economic exchanges with Korea, and it is important that the principle of one country, two systems, and Hong Kong's prosperity and development continue."

He continued, "A stable and friendly cooperative relationship between the U.S. and China is important for peace and prosperity in the Northeast Asia region and the world," and added, "The government supports diplomatic efforts to maintain cooperative relations between the U.S. and China."

Regarding the termination of the Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in response to the resumption of WTO dispute procedures against Japan's export restrictions, which have been ongoing since July last year, he said it is a matter that requires careful consideration depending on the trend of discussions.

Spokesperson Kim said, "On November 22 of last year, under the premise that the effectiveness of GSOMIA could be terminated at any time, we suspended the effect of the notification of termination of the agreement," adding, "We continue to urge the withdrawal of export restrictions, and (the termination of GSOMIA) is a matter that needs to be carefully reviewed depending on the trend of discussions, and we plan to do so."