Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNHCR Sign Basic Cooperation Agreement: "Desperate for Partners Like Han"

Park Jin "Will Expand Support"

Foreign Minister Park Jin (third from the right) is taking a commemorative photo with Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (third from the left), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 10th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] On the morning of the 10th, Foreign Minister Park Jin held a signing ceremony for the Basic Cooperation Agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul and stated, "The Korean government will expand its support for UNHCR."

During the meeting with Filippo Grandi, the UNHCR High Commissioner who attended the signing ceremony, Minister Park said, "As the global refugee crisis intensifies, the role of UNHCR is very important."

Minister Park expressed his pleasure that the signing of the Basic Cooperation Agreement has laid the foundation for close cooperation between the Korean government and UNHCR, and he expressed gratitude for UNHCR's message of condolence regarding the Itaewon tragedy.

Commissioner Grandi emphasized, "The relationship with Korea has strengthened over the past few years, and I have witnessed the relationship deepen in a substantive way over the past seven years," adding, "As we face global challenges caused by forced displacement, climate change, and pandemics that require solutions, partners like Korea are urgently needed."

Commissioner Grandi took office as the UNHCR High Commissioner in January 2016, and his five-year term was extended once, leading UNHCR until December 2025. He visited Korea for the first time in four years on a three-day schedule starting from the 9th, and during his visit, he plans to meet with Minister Park, Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon, and hold a meeting with leaders of seven major religions.