Ban Ki-moon Meets Yoon: "North-South Relations Should Consider International Principles Over Emotional Responses"

Emphasizing the Importance of the Korea-US Alliance and Climate Change Response
"Shouldn't ODA Be Increased?" Suggestion

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is greeting former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at his office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 18th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol on the 18th, emphasizing the strengthening of the South Korea-US alliance along with cooperation with North Korea.

After meeting with President-elect Yoon at the Financial Supervisory Service Training Institute in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the president-elect's office is located, Ban told reporters, "Every time the administration changes, the North Korea policy swings back and forth, and there are cases where we fail to properly respond to North Korea's unilateral provocations or actions." He added, "Rather than approaching inter-Korean relations emotionally, we need to lead them considering the standards, principles, and values generally accepted in the international community." He further stated, "As the same people, we can certainly help and cooperate with North Korea."

He also emphasized the importance of the South Korea-US alliance. Ban said, "Self-reliance is important to protect our security. In that regard, the importance of the South Korea-US alliance cannot be overstated. I mentioned this point," adding, "Based on a strong South Korea-US alliance, it would be desirable to normalize relations with China and especially Japan, and as neighboring countries, to resolve all international issues."

He mentioned the importance of responding to climate change, including carbon neutrality. Ban said, "The first thing to focus on in climate response is achieving '2050 Carbon Neutrality,'" and added, "I told the president-elect that it would be desirable for the government to take a comprehensive interest in sustainable development as defined by the UN." Ban currently serves as the chairman of the National Climate and Environment Council.

Ban also conveyed to President-elect Yoon the request to participate in raising funds for Official Development Assistance (ODA). The UN sets ODA at 0.7% of a country's GDP, while the OECD average is 0.35%, and South Korea invests 0.25% in ODA. Ban said, "Among the 37 OECD countries, we are second from the bottom. The sustainable development framework involves developing countries around the world prospering together with us, but we are too focused on domestic issues. I seriously discussed whether we should increase ODA." Ban added that President-elect Yoon listened attentively to this.