President Moon Attends EAS Summit... "Declaration of End of War is the Starting Point for World Peace"

Biden: "Serious Diplomatic Efforts Needed for Complete Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 27th, President Moon Jae-in attended the 16th East Asia Summit (EAS) held via video conference, urging a paradigm shift for future generations through green recovery and requesting EAS's support for the declaration of the end of the war.

The EAS includes 10 ASEAN countries as well as South Korea, Japan, China, Australia, India, New Zealand, the United States, and Russia as member countries.

At the meeting, President Moon emphasized the importance of solidarity and cooperation in responding to COVID-19 and climate change, stating that recovery from the pandemic should not be a mere return to the past but an opportunity for a paradigm shift for future generations through green recovery.

President Moon said, "The unity of East Asia, which accounts for 54% of the world's population and 62% of the world's GDP, will greatly contribute to the international community's solidarity and cooperation in overcoming COVID-19 and addressing the climate crisis," adding, "I hope the EAS will come together more firmly to turn this crisis into an opportunity."

He continued, "Through the 'Statement on Cooperation for Mental Health' and the 'Statement on Economic Growth through Tourism Recovery' to be adopted today, South Korea will actively cooperate to further strengthen health and economic cooperation," adding, "South Korea participated as a co-sponsor of the 'Sustainable Recovery Statement' to be adopted today, and we hope the member countries' commitment to green transition will be further consolidated."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon explained the progress made in the Korean Peninsula peace process over the past four years by the South Korean government and requested EAS-level support for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace. President Moon stated, "The 'Declaration of the End of the War' proposed at the last United Nations General Assembly is an important starting point that opens the door to dialogue and leads to peace on the Korean Peninsula, in Asia, and ultimately the world," and asked for "EAS's unwavering support and encouragement."

On the same day, U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized, "The United States will play an active role through the EAS," and said that serious diplomatic efforts are needed to resolve the Myanmar situation and achieve the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.