1. On the afternoon of July 4, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha met with Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten, who is on a visit to the Republic of Korea. In the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on ways to step up bilateral cooperation in combating and preventing sexual violence in conflict.

2. Minister Kang took note of the year 2019 as the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the mandate of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict as well as the special year in which the ROK hosted a 1st international conference as part of the efforts to implement the “Action with Women and Peace” Initiative. She went on to voice hope that the two sides will further strengthen their cooperation in combating and preventing sexual violence in conflict.

° In particular, Minister Kang noted with appreciation that Security Council Resolution 2467, which had been adopted in April ahead of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325 next year, marks the first resolution that underscores the importance of the approach centered on survivors of sexual violence in conflict.

3. Special Representative Patten extended appreciation for inviting her to the 1st International Conference on “Action with Women and Peace” held on July 2-3. Ms. Patten also took note of the Conference as a successful meeting in which the ROK had demonstrated to the international community the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda including sexual violence in conflict, as well as the ROK’s leading role in the area, and voiced hope that cooperation in the area will continue to expand.

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4. The meeting with Special Representative Patten, which took place during her visit to the ROK for the 1st International Conference on “Action with Women and Peace,” is seen to have served as an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on current issues, including the UN’s activities for the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and to reaffirm their commitment to continued cooperation.

* unofficial translation