1. On April 8, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong Kyun held a telephone conversation with Stefano Sannino, Secretary General of the European External Action Service of the European Union (EU). They discussed the relations between Korea and the EU, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and the war in Ukraine.

2. Both sides appreciated the active high-level exchanges, such as the ROK-EU Summit last May and the recent meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. They agreed to faithfully implement the deliverables of the Summit and further develop the Strategic Partnership between Korea and the EU.

3. They expressed concerns about North Korea’s ongoing provocations and military cooperation with Russia, noting that they pose a significant threat to peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in Europe and around the world. They agreed to continue close cooperation between Korea and the EU to bring North Korea to the path of denuclearization and deter military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

4. Furthermore, both sides agreed to actively participate in international solidarity for the prompt restoration of peace in Ukraine and to engage in proactive efforts for peace in the Middle East region as well.