High-Level Korea-France Talks on North Korea Nuclear Response... Discussion on Korean Peninsula Denuclearization and Peace Settlement

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 25th, Lee Do-hoon, Director General for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held the 4th Korea-France High-Level Consultation on North Korea Nuclear Response via telephone with Philippe Herrera, Director General of the Political Directorate at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During this consultation, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on bilateral cooperation measures for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace.

The Korea-France High-Level Consultation was launched in 2016 by agreement between the heads of state with the aim of maintaining and strengthening strategic cooperation between Korea and France on Korean Peninsula issues. It is composed of the Director General for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs from the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Director General of the Political Directorate from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs as chief representatives.

Director General Lee shared recent assessments of the situation on the Korean Peninsula and provided detailed explanations of the various efforts the Korean government is making to bring North Korea back to dialogue under the current circumstances. Director General Herrera expressed support for the Korean government’s efforts and responded that France will continue to provide necessary cooperation and support going forward.

Additionally, both Korea and France evaluated that despite COVID-19, the two countries have maintained close communication on Korean Peninsula issues, and agreed to continue consultations in various formats, including face-to-face meetings, as the situation permits.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs evaluated, "This high-level consultation served as an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation with France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a key ally of Korea, and a major country within the EU that is currently seeking to enhance its international status and role, regarding Korean Peninsula issues, and to reaffirm France’s firm support for the Korean Peninsula peace process."