President Moon's UN Keynote Speech, 2 AM KST on the 23rd (Update)

Held via video conference due to COVID-19... Explaining international solidarity cooperation and peace on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in will deliver a keynote speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly at 2 a.m. Korean time on the 23rd.

Kang Min-seok, the Blue House spokesperson, stated in a briefing at the Chuncheon Press Center on the morning of the 17th, "President Moon will participate in the UN 75th anniversary meeting on the 21st and the UN General Assembly virtual meeting on the 22nd. This will be his fourth speech since taking office."

Spokesperson Kang explained, "He will deliver the 9th keynote speech on the 22nd, expected at 1 p.m. local time, which corresponds to around 2 a.m. on the 23rd Korean time," adding, "He plans to emphasize international solidarity and cooperation to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and respond to climate change, and to request international support for our government's efforts toward peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon is scheduled to speak at the UN 75th anniversary high-level meeting as the chair country leader of ‘MIKTA,’ a group consisting of South Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, and Australia. He plans to evaluate the UN’s contributions to international development and express his commitment to addressing issues such as COVID-19.

Spokesperson Kang said, "As currently confirmed, 173 leaders from 120 countries, including heads of state from 193 member countries, are expected to attend the virtual meeting," and explained, "Due to COVID-19, the meeting will be held virtually, and only a small number of representatives from each country will participate at the UN venue."

Spokesperson Kang added, "Participation in this UN General Assembly is expected to be an opportunity to expand international cooperation and further advance multilateral diplomacy."

Meanwhile, a senior Blue House official was reserved when asked about what President Moon might say regarding inter-Korean relations at the UN General Assembly, stating, "It is difficult to disclose specific details."