열린장관실

Remarks by H.E. Mr. Park Jin

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Security Council High-Level Open Debate

on Maintenance of International Peace and Security

September 20, 2023

Mr. President,

I wish to first thank Albania for convening this meeting

and the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing.

More than a year has passed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

We are gravely concerned about the escalating human toll

and the global ramifications,

especially in regions already grappling with

humanitarian challenges and food insecurity.

We extend our sympathies to the grieving families.

This act of aggression is a clear violation

of the UN Charter and international law.

It also erodes the pillars of

trust, cooperation, and global solidarity

that the international community has built over decades.

From the standpoint of the Republic of Korea

- a nation all too familiar with the pains of conflict and division -

we resonate profoundly with

the trials and tribulations of the Ukrainian people.

It is this empathy that strengthens our determination

to champion meaningful efforts

to end this war and restore peace in Ukraine.

The recent visit of President Yoon Suk Yeol to Ukraine in July

serves as a testament to this commitment.

During his visit,

he unveiled the Ukraine Peace and Solidarity Initiative

- a concrete expression of support for the Ukrainian people.

In line with this initiative,

the Republic of Korea will contribute 150 million dollars

in humanitarian assistance this year.

This builds on our contributions from the previous year,

where we delivered 100 million dollars,

including mine-clearing equipment

and emergency medical vehicles.

We will also support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts,

with a commitment of 300 million dollars next year

and a mid- to long-term support package of

more than 2 billion dollars.

At the same time,

we will be active voices in the global discourse

addressing challenges to global food and energy security, intensified by the conflict in Ukraine.

Mr. President,

The media reports emerging from the recent Russia-DPRK summit indicating potential military cooperation are most unsettling.

Any deal that enhances North Korea’s military capabilities

is an unequivocal violation

of relevant Security Council resolutions.

Such developments endanger not just Ukraine

but also the security of the Republic of Korea.  

It is regrettable that DPRK

continues on its trajectory of provocations,

consistently breaching Security Council resolutions and international law.

Their continued pursuit of nuclear and missile programs

pose an existential threat to the Republic of Korea,

the broader international community, and the NPT regime.

Given Russia's required role

in shaping the international non-proliferation regime

and safeguarding world peace

as a permanent member of the Security Council,

we call on Russia to fully implement

the Council resolutions for which it voted itself.

Mr. President,

The Republic of Korea is preparing

to serve in this Council from next year.

Rest assured of our unwavering dedication

to fulfilling the Council’s fundamental mandate which is to

maintain international peace and security.

I thank you.