EU Leaders Support President Moon's Vision for the Korean Peninsula

On the 30th Video Summit, "Support for the Korean Government's Efforts" Confirmed... Korea-EU Leaders "Support Global Ceasefire Demand"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the afternoon of the 30th, the European Union (EU) leaders expressed their support for the South Korean government's efforts related to the Korean Peninsula peace initiative during a virtual summit with President Moon Jae-in.

The Blue House announced that from 4 p.m. on the 30th, a virtual summit was held with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The Blue House explained, "The two sides exchanged views on cooperation in response to COVID-19, the future development direction of the strategic partnership between Korea and the EU marking its 10th anniversary, regional situations including the Korean Peninsula, and global issues."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The leaders of Korea and the EU stated in a joint press release, "The leaders discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The EU confirmed its support for our government's efforts to continuously engage North Korea to achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula."

The Korea-EU leaders also "exchanged views on the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and the conflict in eastern Ukraine," adding, "The leaders reaffirmed their will to consult and cooperate to promote world peace and stability based on existing international obligations and commitments under international law."

Furthermore, the Korea-EU leaders "discussed the geopolitical situation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The leaders emphasized their commitment to uphold a rules-based international order and expressed expectations for practical cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, countering fake news, and hybrid threats."

The Korea-EU leaders expressed concern "over the worsening conflicts in some regions due to the spread of COVID-19, and the difficulty in protecting civilians, especially the most vulnerable groups, amid armed conflicts. They supported the UN Secretary-General's immediate call for a global ceasefire and emphasized the need to respect humanitarian principles."