Pacific Islands and South Korea have reached a significant agreement to enhance collaboration on critical issues such as climate action, ocean conservation, development finance, and regional security following the sixth Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Seoul on December 9, 2025. This meeting marks a pivotal moment as it gathered all members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) alongside the PIF Secretary General for the first time, under the leadership of South Korea’s Foreign Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade for the Solomon Islands, Peter Shanel Agovaka.
The ministers convened under the theme “Partnership for a Resilient, Peaceful, and Prosperous Pacific,” emphasizing Korea’s growing engagement with Pacific nations and its adherence to the One Blue Pacific principle, the Blue Pacific Principles for Dialogue and Engagement, and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. This gathering also celebrated the elevation of Korea–Pacific relations to summit level in 2023, highlighting Korea’s ongoing support for the 2050 Strategy and commitment to Pacific-led development initiatives.
Pacific ministers acknowledged Korea’s Official Development Assistance as vital, emphasizing that it aligns with regional priorities and the 2030 Agenda. They particularly appreciated Korea’s capacity-building efforts in essential fields such as fisheries, digital transformation, and public health. The ministers reiterated their shared commitment to addressing climate change, focusing on the unique challenges faced by Pacific Small Island Developing States. They endorsed the wider adoption of the UN Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to facilitate access to development finance and concessional funding.
The meeting also expressed gratitude for Korea’s continuous contributions to the ROK–PIF Cooperation Fund, with plans for five significant projects aimed at enhancing climate prediction services, marine spatial planning, monitoring of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and constructing a fisheries research vessel. The urgency of global action on climate and environmental issues was a key focus, with Korea committing initiatives around sea-level rise, early warning systems, loss and damage, and climate finance. The ministers welcomed Korea’s announcement of its 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution and its entry into the Powering Past Coal Alliance.
The Pacific Resilience Facility was highlighted as a crucial mechanism for addressing climate finance shortfalls, with Korea indicating a willingness to contribute contingent on domestic approval. The ministers also backed the idea of hosting a Pre-COP31 in a Pacific island nation and acknowledged Australia’s presidency of COP31 as a valuable opportunity for Pacific voices to be heard.
Regarding oceans and fisheries, Korea’s constructive role within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) was noted, along with its commitment to combat illegal fishing activities. Concerns over marine pollution—particularly plastics and radioactive waste—were raised, emphasizing the need for transparency and consultation.
Additionally, the meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration on people-to-people exchanges, regional security, and countering transnational crime, especially the rising threat of synthetic drugs in the region. Ministers reiterated their commitment to a rules-based international order and the principles of peaceful dispute resolution. Korea sought support from Pacific nations for its candidacy for the International Court of Justice in 2026 and outlined intentions to co-host the UN Ocean Conference with Chile in 2028.
The ministers concluded by agreeing to continue the Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the Senior Officials’ Meeting on a biennial basis, expressing appreciation to South Korea for hosting this landmark meeting in Seoul. This collaboration reflects a hopeful path forward for both the Pacific Islands and South Korea, signaling a strong commitment to shared goals in a rapidly changing global environment.