Foreign Ministers from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and South Korea have successfully completed their sixth biennial meeting in Seoul, emphasizing a collective commitment to fostering a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous Blue Pacific region. This year’s summit was significant as it was the first occasion where all Forum members were present, showcasing unity and solidarity across the Pacific.
Co-chaired by South Korea’s Foreign Minister Hyun Cho and the Solomon Islands’ Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka, the meeting drew notable attendees, including Tonga’s Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, the President of New Caledonia, Niue’s Prime Minister, and Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister.
In a joint statement, the ministers expressed their appreciation for Korea’s continual support of the Pacific’s ambitious 2050 Strategy while emphasizing enhanced collaboration on inclusive development, trade, and regional security. Notably, South Korea has announced plans to contribute to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) in the upcoming year, bolstering efforts in climate adaptation and disaster response.
Climate leadership emerged as a pivotal topic, with the ministers stressing the need for urgent global action and commending Korea’s new targets to combat climate change by 2035. Furthermore, the group recognized Korea’s initiatives aimed at addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which contribute to improved sustainable ocean governance.
The ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening cultural ties and enhancing cooperation in areas such as innovation, digital connectivity, and trade. They were also enthusiastic about Korea’s announcement to co-host the 2028 UN Ocean Conference alongside Chile, which will serve as a vital platform for amplifying Pacific leadership on global ocean concerns.
The Korea-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which originally convened in 2011, is set to take place again in 2027, paving the way for continued collaboration and partnership in the years to come. This shared commitment illustrates a hopeful future for the Pacific Islands and South Korea as they work together toward common goals and shared aspirations.