[Asia Economy Reporter Inho Yoo] Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong stated on the 17th, “We will not stop our efforts to fully realize the values that the United Nations pursues?peace, freedom, and prosperity?on the Korean Peninsula.”
Minister Chung, marking the 30th anniversary of South Korea’s UN membership this year, delivered a video opening address at the ‘30th Anniversary of UN Membership International Forum’ held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, saying, “In 1991, through the simultaneous UN membership of South and North Korea, we held hope that the Korean Peninsula would move toward a path of peaceful coexistence.”
He added, “Since the inauguration of the Moon Jae-in administration, we have unwaveringly worked to establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, and the international community, including the UN, has sent full support. We will work together with the international community to ensure that peace takes root not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the daily lives of people around the world.”
He said, “The history of Korea and the UN is a good example that has demonstrated the UN’s values of peace, freedom, and prosperity to the world. The UN has been with Korea throughout the entire process of reconstruction and growth from war.”
Looking ahead to the next 30 years, he presented three goals that Korea aims to pursue at the UN: strengthening integrated approaches to conflict resolution and peace achievement, proactive responses to emerging security threats such as pandemics and climate change, and inclusive capacity building for peace for future generations.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a video congratulatory message, said, “Looking back over the past 30 years, Korea has shown remarkable activities as a UN member state,” and added, “We must further increase our contributions to the UN in line with our national power.”
Current UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres, in a video message, stated, “As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s UN membership, I hope this anniversary will serve as an opportunity for South and North Korea to reaffirm the values of peace and reconciliation and build lasting cooperation.”
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