1. The Republic of Korea has decided to host the Arctic Circle’s regional forum, called the “Arctic Davos forum” as one of the most important forums for discussions on Arctic issues, in Seoul in December next year. The ROK officially announced the decision today (October 13) at the Arctic Circle Assembly (October 13-15) being held in Reykjavik.

o The ROK’s hosting of the “Arctic Circle Seoul Forum (tentative name)” has been discussed between the Foreign Ministry and the Arctic Circle Secretariat since early this year. Representative for Arctic Cooperation of the Foreign Ministry Kim Young-jun officially announced the ROK government’s decision in his opening address at the Arctic Circle Assembly.

2. The Arctic Circle Seoul Forum, to be held in Seoul late next year, is the first of its kind in East Asia. The Forum is expected to draw Arctic countries’ attention to the East Asian region, which will play a key role in developing and utilizing the Arctic, and to lay the foundation for Korean companies’ entry into the Arctic and increase the ROK’s diplomatic presence in the Arctic by helping expand networks with key Arctic-related organizations and people participating in the Forum.

3. The ROK delegation participating in the Arctic Circle Assembly will actively promote the ROK’s Arctic policy and related activities, and actively engage in Arctic diplomacy, including by holding two separate sessions under the themes “future of Arctic fisheries” and “future of the Arctic: observers’ engagement and contribution.”

4. The ROK government will continue to actively respond to global environmental and ecological challenges posed by climate change in the Arctic, and further strengthen cooperation with Arctic countries, the Arctic Circle (Secretariat) and other relevant organizations in order to help Korean companies make inroads into the Arctic, including for the development of Arctic routes.

o The Foreign Ministry and the Arctic Economic Council (AEC) will hold a seminar on the ROK-AEC cooperation in Seoul on December 11.


* unofficial translation