Press Briefing

Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations Kim In-chul

May 23, 2019  14:30  KST

Good afternoon. Let me start today’s briefing.

First, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha will meet with U Kyaw Tint Swe, Union Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, May 27.

In the meeting, the two sides will discuss ways to promote the relations between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar as well as cooperation between the ROK and ASEAN, and also discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The upcoming meeting is expected to serve as an opportunity to express the ROK government’s commitment to the implementation of its New Southern Policy and to strengthen diplomatic relations with Myanmar.  

Moving along, on May 27, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Lee Tae-ho will attend the 75th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) to take place in Bangkok, Thailand.

At the upcoming Session, the participants will review the implementation of “the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific” and will engage in a general debate on this year’s theme, “empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.”

In his address, Vice Minister Lee will underscore the need to overcome inequalities in the Asia-Pacific region and will introduce Korea’s strategy for building an inclusive nation and the New Southern Policy.

In addition, Vice Minister Lee will stress the importance of peace on the Korean Peninsula and request the international community’s continued interest and support.

Vice Minister Lee will also meet with Executive Secretary of the UN ESCAP Armida Alisjahbana and discuss ways to pursue strategic cooperation between the ROK and ESCAP.

(A question-and-answer session followed.)

* unofficial translation