1. On the occasion of the High-Level Segment of the UN Human Rights Council, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha met with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See, on February 25, and discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

2. Minister Kang explained the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, and the Republic of Korea government’s efforts to achieve complete denuclearization and to establish a lasting peace regime. She also expected the second United States-Democratic People’s Republic of Korea summit to be an important opportunity to make meaningful progress in the efforts, and asked for the Holy See’s continued support and cooperation.

o In addition, Minister Kang expressed appreciation to Pope Francis for announcing messages wishing for peace on the Korean Peninsula on every major occasion, including the inter-Korean summits and the US-DPRK summit.

3. Secretary Gallagher took note of the ROK government’s contributions and efforts to make progress in inter-Korean and US-North Korea relations and to push forward the denuclearization process. He also reaffirmed the Holy See’s support and cooperation regarding the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.

* unofficial translation