1. On October 20, Vice Foreign Minister Lim Sung-nam met with Executive Chairman Thierry de Montbrial of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), who was on a visit to the Republic of Korea for a World Knowledge Forum. In their meeting, the two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual concern, including the North Korean nuclear issue, the ROK-France relations, and ways to work together on public diplomacy.

※ Executive Chairman Montbrial was on a visit to the ROK to attend the 18th World Knowledge Forum hosted by Maekyung Media Group in Seoul from October 17 till 19.

2. At the request of Executive Chairman Montbrial, Vice Minister Lim explained the current situation regarding the North Korean nuclear issue and the ROK government’s policy toward the North, extending appreciation to France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a major member of the EU, for its close coordination with the ROK.

° The Executive Chairman mentioned that he had long and with interest conducted studies on the North Korean nuclear program and that the French academic circle will continue holding forums, among others, to seek a wise solution to the nuclear issue.

3. Vice Minister Lim brought attention to the close cooperation between the ROK and France in such sectors as political affairs, economy, education and culture, as well as to the joint efforts of the two new governments, launched in May 2017, to continue building this momentum of cooperation. He added that as part of such efforts, the second foreign ministerial strategic dialogue will take place between the two countries in Paris on October 23.

4. Furthermore, Vice Minister Lim expressed appreciation to IFRI for co-hosting Korea-France Forums and making other contributions to the development of the bilateral ties. Executive Chairman Montbrial, citing his deep affection for the ROK developed through his numerous visits to the country, mentioned that he will keep playing a role in the efforts to step up cooperation between the private sectors of the ROK and France by building a network among leaders of various sectors of the two countries.

※ The Korea-France Forum, an international academic event co-hosted by IFRI and the Korea Foundation on a biennial basis since 1995, brings together ranking government officials, lawmakers and experts from the two countries for discussions on bilateral and global issues.

° Executive Chairman Montbrial brought attention to the fact that Korean figures are participating actively in the IFRI-hosted annual World Policy Conference on major global issues, thereby facilitating continued cooperation between the academic circles of the ROK and France. He went on to express hope for further attention and support of the ROK side in that regard.

° Vice Foreign Minister Lim, commending IFRI for leading discussions on global issues, voiced hope for a closer cooperation between the ROK and France on public diplomacy.


* unofficial translation