1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), co-hosted the Expert Group Meeting for the “Joint UNCCT-Republic of Korea Initiative to expand the UNCCT Border Security and Management Good Practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic” on October 15, 2021 in a hybrid online and offline format.

° Director-General for International Organizations Chang Wook-jin, in his opening remarks, noted that the Korean government’s effective border management using cutting-edge technology in the face of difficulties in international exchanges from border closures due to COVID-19, would contribute to strengthening border management capabilities of UN member states and the openness of the international community.

° Director of the UNCCT Jehangir Alam Khan, who is on a visit to Korea for the Expert Group Meeting, stressed that Korea is one of the closest partners of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism and expressed appreciation for Korea’s contributions. He also hoped that the two sides would continue to seek ways to cooperate on counter-terrorism going forward.

° Moreover, President of the Stimson Center Brian Finlay, Head of the Immigration and Border Management Division in the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Damien Thuriaux and Director General of the National Counter-Terrorism Center Jung Ji-hun, through their congratulatory remarks, took note of the timeliness of the project and affirmed their commitment to further engagement.

° Experts from 11 relevant institutions such as the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and experts from international organizations such as the UNCCT, IOM, and the World Customs Organization (WCO) will have in-depth discussions on Korea’s good practices from October 18 to 22.

※ 11 relevant institutions: National Counter-Terrorism Center, National Intelligence Service, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Justice, Korean National Police Agency, Korea Customs Service, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Incheon International Airport, Incheon Port Authority & Customs, and Korea Coast Guard

2. The Addendum to the Border Security and Management Good Practices will be developed as an outcome of this initiative around this December, based on the result of this Expert Group Meeting. The Korean government will continuously engage in efforts for peace and stability in the international community, including reinforcement of counter-terrorism capabilities, in the rapidly changing international environment.