Oh Hyunju, Third Deputy Director of the National Security Office, is giving a briefing related to the G20 summit on the 23rd (local time) at the Korean press room set up in a hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Oh Hyunju, Third Deputy Director of the National Security Office, stated on November 23 (local time) that President Lee Jaemyung's participation in the G20 Summit had "expanded the horizon of pragmatic, national interest-centered diplomacy to the 'Global South,' including Africa."
Deputy Director Oh made these remarks during a local briefing in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the G20 Summit is being held.
She explained, "President Lee expressed Korea's commitment to solidarity and cooperation with Africa, considering that this is the first G20 Summit held on the continent." She added that President Lee demonstrated a willingness to take the lead in resolving debt issues and enhancing effectiveness. President Lee also introduced Korea's support policies, such as its food aid programs for Africa.
Regarding Korea's assumption of the G20 presidency in 2028, Oh stated, "This has elevated our national stature," and added, "It is expected that Korea will play a leading role in strengthening G20 cooperation on today's complex international issues."
In addition, Deputy Director Oh cited as achievements Korea's emphasis on the importance of the World Trade Organization, the presentation of Korea's performance-oriented fiscal policy, and the introduction of exemplary energy transition policies in response to the climate crisis, such as energy superhighways and offshore wind power.
Meanwhile, when asked whether President Lee's emphasis on multilateral trade and the climate crisis-issues opposed by the United States-could provoke backlash from the U.S., Deputy Director Oh responded, "The United States is also set to assume the G20 presidency next year. The U.S. also participated in the text negotiations."
She further explained, "The fact that the U.S. did not attend the G20 this time does not necessarily mean that it denies the necessity of the G20."
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