1. On the occasion of the “1st Global Refugee Forum” being held in Geneva, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Lee Taeho met with Ms. Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), on December 16. In the meeting, they exchanged views on refugee issues around the world, and discussed ways to step up cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the UNHCR.

2. Vice Minister Lee said that amid the increasing vulnerability of refugees and protracted refugee crises across the world, the UNHCR is playing an important role in protecting refugees and responding to crises. He especially took note that the UNHCR had played a leading role in preparing the Global Refugee Forum.

3. Vice Minister Lee also said that the ROK government has been significantly expanding its humanitarian assistance to refugees across the globe, and added that the ROK government, as a member of the UNHCR’s 20-million-plus dollar donors’ club, is willing to continue to work together with the UNHCR.

4. Deputy High Commissioner Clements expressed appreciation, saying that the ROK is one of the emerging donor countries which have rapidly increased contributions to refugees in a short period of time. She also voiced hope that the UNHCR would continue to strengthen cooperation with the ROK in responding to global refugee crises.

- Deputy High Commissioner Clements expressed appreciation to not only the ROK government but also the private sector for showing interest and support for the UNHCR’s activities, mentioning that the contribution from the ROK’s private sector recorded the world’s second-highest last year.

5. On a side note, Vice Minister Lee will attend the “1st Global Refugee Forum” on December 17 and deliver a keynote speech, in which he will announce the ROK government’s commitment to contribute to responding to global refugee issues, as well as a related pledge.