[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 5th that it has published the "2020 Diplomatic White Paper," which records the international situation throughout 2019, the South Korean government's diplomatic policy direction, and major diplomatic activities.
In the foreword to the white paper, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha stated, "The situation on the Korean Peninsula in 2019 rapidly changed, repeating progress and lull phases within the flow of peace that began in 2018," and evaluated the Ministry's activities by saying, "Based on close ROK-US cooperation, we actively played a role in maintaining the dialogue momentum among South Korea, North Korea, and the United States, and made efforts to ensure the situation on the Korean Peninsula was managed stably."
The white paper includes major achievements such as ▲ the continued promotion of the Korean Peninsula peace process ▲ strengthening balanced cooperative diplomacy with the four neighboring countries ▲ solidifying the New Southern and New Northern policies ▲ and enhancing public diplomacy.
Regarding inter-Korean relations, the Ministry evaluated, "Throughout 2019, our government made continuous efforts to faithfully implement the inter-Korean cooperation projects agreed upon in the three inter-Korean summits held in 2018," and stated that the international community highly appreciated the South Korean government's efforts for progress in the Korean Peninsula peace process through documents from major bilateral and multilateral meetings.
Regarding ROK-US relations, it was evaluated that "The two countries maintained a stronger alliance than ever through summit diplomacy, sharing values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law," and that cooperation and depth expanded not only in security but also in economy, trade, regional cooperation, and global issues.
Concerning ROK-Japan relations, the white paper explicitly states, "Japan is our closest neighboring country with whom we must cooperate not only for bilateral relations but also for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the world." This is an upgrade from simply calling Japan a "neighboring country" in last year's diplomatic white paper and contrasts with the recent Defense White Paper, which downgraded Japan from a "partner" to a "neighboring country."
Regarding ROK-China relations, it was evaluated that "Based on the consensus on restoring bilateral relations formed during President Moon Jae-in's state visit in 2017, active high-level exchanges and stable development continue."
The diplomatic white paper is posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and is accessible to anyone. It will also be distributed to government agencies, universities and research institutions, public libraries, and media organizations. The English version of the 2020 Diplomatic White Paper will be published later.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
