South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to enhancing collaboration with Pacific Island countries (PICs) in a bid to tackle climate change and promote digital as well as developmental initiatives. This commitment was announced during the sixth Korea-Pacific Islands foreign ministers’ meeting held in Seoul, where Cho highlighted that South Korea has significantly increased its official development assistance, doubling it compared to the previous year.
During the opening remarks, Cho underlined the necessity of customizing cooperation to align with local requirements, concentrating on vital areas such as climate resilience, digital capacity building, and effective resource management. The meeting was co-chaired by Cho and Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Peter Shannel Agovaka, centered around the theme “Partnership for a Resilient, Peaceful and Prosperous Pacific.”
The event saw participation from representatives of 17 member nations and territories of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), which consists of 18 nations dedicated to enhancing regional cooperation. A notable outcome of the meeting was the diplomats’ adoption of a joint statement committing to bolster collaboration on climate change, environmental issues, and maritime affairs, particularly concerning oceans and fisheries.
Furthermore, the ministers expressed their support for Korea’s initiative to co-host the fourth UN Ocean Conference alongside Chile in 2028, marking a collective determination to promote sustainable ocean management in the region.
This collaboration signifies an important step towards strengthening partnerships and addressing the urgent challenges that Pacific Island nations face. South Korea’s proactive involvement highlights its commitment to supporting the development aspirations of these nations, fostering resilience and sustainability in the region.