Yoon's Written Interview with Spanish Media
"We Must Develop the ROK-US Alliance" Regarding Trump
President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the "Emergency Economic and Security Review Meeting in Response to Changes in External Conditions" held at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 10th. Photo by Yonhap News.
President Yoon Suk-yeol stated, "As protectionism rises and supply chain instability intensifies, the strategic importance of Latin America, which possesses abundant resources, is increasing," adding, "We will develop and deepen relations with various Latin American countries."
In a written interview with Spain's state news agency EFE ahead of his visits to Peru and Brazil, President Yoon said, "My first visit to Latin America since taking office signifies expanding Korea's Global Pivot State (GPS) vision to the Latin American region."
During this trip, President Yoon will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Group of Twenty (G20) summits.
President Yoon explained, "Korea has cooperated with Latin American countries through free trade agreements (FTAs) and participation in infrastructure projects, and recently has expanded cooperation into various fields such as renewable energy, bio, and aerospace," adding, "We will promote solidarity and cooperation with the international community for sustainable mutual growth."
Regarding Peru, the destination of his visit, he said, "We plan to have in-depth discussions on ways to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2012," and "We also aim to advance discussions on ongoing infrastructure and defense industry cooperation projects between the two countries."
President Yoon also addressed North Korea's recent deployment of troops to Russia.
He stated, "This poses a serious threat to the security of the Korean Peninsula, Europe, and the world at large," and added, "If Russia and North Korea do not cease their military adventurism, we will take effective reciprocal measures, including strengthening support for Ukraine, in coordination with allies and friendly countries."
He continued, "We are maintaining strategic communication with China and emphasizing that China should fulfill its responsible role in contributing to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region." He also noted that necessary communication is maintained with Russia, a party to the war, and emphasized, "We are making diplomatic efforts, including urging the suspension of cooperation with North Korea."
Regarding President-elect Donald Trump and the new U.S. administration, he said, "We will cooperate to further strengthen and develop the Korea-U.S. alliance in all areas," and "We will also strive for denuclearization of North Korea based on close coordination."
Referring to the APEC summit to be held next year in Gyeongju, President Yoon said, "With the core keywords of connection, innovation, and prosperity, we aim to lead discussions on 'A Sustainable Tomorrow We Create Together.'"
He emphasized, "We plan to actively contribute so that APEC can take one step closer to the vision of a more open and peaceful Asia-Pacific region."
Regarding the G20 summit, he said, "Efforts to strengthen free and open global trade and a rules-based international order are more important than ever," adding, "Korea will continue to contribute to leading cooperation among countries and responding to common challenges."
Concerning the 'Unification Doctrine' announced last August, President Yoon stated, "I hope the international community urges North Korea to come to the dialogue table, works together to improve the freedom and human rights of North Korean residents, and shows support and interest in unification."
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