1. During her visit to Brussels to attend the EU Foreign Affairs Council (March 19), Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini on March 18, and discussed the ROK-EU relations, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

2. The two sides took note that the ROK and the EU, which share universal values, have been developing mature cooperative relations based on common understanding and interest in global issues. They also agreed to continue to make joint efforts to expand high-level exchanges between the two sides, marking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, and to deepen cooperation mainly in promising areas with great potential.

3. Minister Kang expressed appreciation for being given the opportunity to attend the EU Foreign Affairs Council for the first time as ROK Foreign Minister at the invitation of High Representative Mogherini, and said that she looks forward to candid and in-depth discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on March 19 with foreign ministers of EU members on ways to step up cooperation between the ROK and the EU, as well as North Korea and its nuclear issue.

o High Representative Mogherini said that Minister Kang’s participation in the EU Foreign Affairs Council is very meaningful and timely, and expressed hope that they will engage in an in-depth exchange of views at the meeting.

4. Minister Kang talked about the efforts of the ROK government, which created a new turning point in its push for peace on the Korean Peninsula by taking advantage of the momentum for inter-Korean talks, created on the occasion of the PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. She also asked for the EU’s continued support and cooperation to successfully hold inter-Korean/US-North Korea summits, resolve the North Korean nuclear issue peacefully, and establish a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

o High Representative Mogherini spoke highly of President Moon Jae-in’s leadership and the ROK government’s leading roles and efforts that helped make important progress recently in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula. She also said that the EU supports the ROK government’s position to solve the North Korean nuclear problem peacefully, and is ready to actively contribute to the process.

5. The two sides also shared concern over the latest protectionist moves by the US, including restrictions on steel and aluminum imports, and agreed to closely work together to make sure that free and fair global trade will sustain.

* unofficial translation