Korea Hosts Meeting as Chair Nation... Adoption of Joint Statement by 63 Countries
"International Community Must Unite and Respond Strictly" to North Korea-Russia Military Cooperation
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul stated that "40% of North Korea's weapons of mass destruction programs are funded through illegal cyber means," urging the international community to respond to cyber threats that undermine international peace and security.
On the 20th (local time), Minister Cho presided over a high-level open debate on cybersecurity held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, revealing that North Korea is evading UN sanctions through cyber threats such as cryptocurrency theft.
He emphasized, "The peace and security of the physical world and the cyber world are increasingly intertwined," adding, "The Security Council can no longer bury its head in the sand. At the very least, it must strengthen its response to real cyber threats in line with external developments."
The open debate was the UN's first official in-person meeting on the theme of 'Threats in Cyberspace and International Peace and Security.' In June 2021, Estonia held a meeting on cybersecurity as an agenda item in a virtual format. South Korea, serving as the Security Council president in June, held this open debate to share the awareness that cross-border cyber threats have emerged as an issue directly linked to international peace and security.
Before the meeting began, Minister Cho announced a joint declaration on cybersecurity on behalf of 63 UN member states including South Korea, the United States, and Japan, as well as the European Union (EU). Through the joint declaration, he noted, "In today's interconnected world, where states heavily rely on digital infrastructure for communications, commerce, and governance, the malicious use of cyberspace poses a significant challenge," and urged, "The Security Council must play a central role in addressing cyber threats to fulfill its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security."
The joint statement saw participation from countries representing diverse regions including Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, North America, Latin America, and Africa, demonstrating a global consensus on the issue of cyber threats.
Meanwhile, Minister Cho expressed "grave concern" over North Korea and Russia holding a summit the previous day and signing a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement' to cooperate in the military technology sector.
He said, "Any direct or indirect acts that enhance North Korea's military capabilities clearly violate relevant UN Security Council sanctions resolutions," adding, "It is regrettable that permanent members of the Security Council, who agreed to these UN resolutions, have violated them by concluding this agreement." He further stressed, "The international community must unite and respond firmly to any acts that threaten international security and peace," and emphasized, "The government will respond firmly and strictly to any acts that harm our security."
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