1. On June 5, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha met with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer, who is on a visit to the Republic of Korea, and exchanged views on the ROK’s humanitarian assistance policy, and ways to step up cooperation between the ROK and the ICRC.

2. President Maurer expressed appreciation to the ROK for continuing to increase its humanitarian assistance to the ICRC, and hoped that the ROK will be able to join the ICRC Donor Support Group (DSG) by continuing to expand contributions. He also expressed hope that his organization and the ROK will consult on ways to increase Korean people’s participation in the ICRC’s activities.

※ The ICRC Donor Support Group consists of countries which contribute more than 10 million Swiss francs (CHF) to the ICRC.

o Minister Kang took note that cooperation between the ROK and the ICRC has been increasing in providing support in response to major humanitarian crises around the world, and said that the ROK will expand its contributions to the international community, including the ICRC.

3. Minister Kang explained the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, and noted that the ICRC has conducted humanitarian activities in North Korea, including providing drinking water and medical services, through its office in Pyongyang.

o President Maurer welcomed the recent improvement in inter-Korean relations, and hoped that the ICRC will contribute to resolving humanitarian issues between the ROK and North Korea.

* unofficial translation