1. Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs Ham Sang-wook held the 1st “Republic of Korea-Ireland high-level virtual policy consultation on global issues” with Political Director at the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland Sonja Hyland at 5 p.m., November 25 (Korea Standard Time).

2. In the consultation, the two sides discussed global issues of mutual concern, including the current status of preparations for Ireland’s non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term; key agendas of the UN Security Council including the Korean Peninsula issue; the preparations for the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference to be held in the ROK next year; and the current challenges to multilateralism and future prospects.

o In the meeting, the ROK side asked Ireland, which will serve as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, for continued attention and support regarding the Korean Peninsula peace process. The Irish side expressed support for the ROK government’s efforts and said that Ireland will continue close communication with the ROK at the UN.

o In addition, the ROK side noted that around 600 Korean soldiers and police officers have been dispatched to five UN Peacekeeping Operations missions and that the ROK is the world’s 10th largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget. The ROK side went on to ask for active participation and cooperation of Ireland, a major contributor in the peacekeeping sector, in ensuring the success of the 4th UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference to be hosted by the ROK next year.

o Meanwhile, ahead of its non-permanent membership of the Security Council next year, the Irish side explained its plan for the membership based on the three principles of peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and accountability. The two sides agreed to hold other policy consultations on a regular basis, following the 1st high-level policy consultation on global issues.

3. The 1st policy consultation served as an opportunity to strengthen the foundation for multilateral cooperation between the two countries by establishing a separate consultative channel on multilateral issues with Ireland, which will serve as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2021-2022 term. As part of the efforts to prepare for the ROK’s bid for non-permanent membership of the Security Council for the 2024-2025 term, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to hold bilateral consultations with members of the Security Council.