Congratulatory Remarks
by H.E. Yun Byung-se
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Launching Ceremony of the Peace Club
May 30, 2014

Your Excellencies, and Colleagues,

Let me start with something out of old textbook from your college days. The Constitution of UNESCO provides "that since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed." There is no place like the Korean Peninsula that such sentiment strikes a chord, as we are all engaged in efforts to replace the existing fragile peace with a sustainable and durable peace.

It involves not just the two Koreas and our neighbors, but all those who are eager to serve the cause of peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Three months ago, my Ministry launched “the Peninsula Club” among ambassadors that are accredited to both Seoul and Pyongyang. During the short time span, the "Peninsula Club" has established itself as a valuable gathering for consultations on North Korean issues thanks to the enthusiastic participation by its member ambassadors.

This experience naturally triggered interest on the part of missions here who have long standing presence in Pyongyang. So today’s gathering is to meet such expectations.

Through “Peace Club,” we have come to establish a solid and wide network to work on peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The “Peninsula Club” and now the “Peace Club” – as their names indicate – represent the will and the intention of many like-minded countries to bring forth “peace” on the Korean “Peninsula.” Members of these two clubs are the rare linkages that the isolated North Korea has with the outside world.

Thus, together they may act as the driving vehicle to bring forth “change from within,” in addition to the ongoing excellent coordination among our countries on North Korea.

My hope to see a more effective and systematic communication take place between my Ministry and the diplomatic corps in Korea through these two clubs. By doing so, I am certain that we can enhance our own individual diplomatic capability, as our interactions will inevitably lead to synergy.

To this end, my Ministry would like share with you our strategic perspectives on the situation in North Korea on a regular basis. As occasions arise, we will host meetings, thereby further enhancing our ability to respond jointly to pressing issues. Finally, we will look into ways for the “Peace Club” and the “Peninsula Club” to work in sync, as sister clubs with a common purpose.

Dear Colleagues,

Without a doubt, peace is the shared goal that we all aspire to. Peace is the sine qua non for prosperity, and as such it is the very foundation for human happiness. Having said that, it is very unfortunate to observe that peace may never have been as vulnerable as it is today here in Asia and elsewhere around the world.

One of the most vulnerable places in this regard is right here, the Korean Peninsula. Clearly, North Korea’s treacherous threat to conduct another nuclear test demonstrates that the North Korean nuclear issue is indeed a clear and present danger to the regional peace and stability.

Furthermore, the discovery of drones that intruded into our airspace, and the recent shelling toward our naval patrol ship on our side of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) indicate that North Korea will not hesitate to make use of symmetrical or asymmetrical means to stage its provocation. It only goes to show the fragile nature of the peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Another noticeable aspect of the situation on the Korean Peninsula is the increasing uncertainty and unpredictability of the situation in North Korea. Even in the aftermath of the shocking execution of Jang Seong-taek, we have seen frequent changes of high-ranking officials; daily criticisms toward the South using some very nasty expressions; and absurd assertion that their use of drones and the firing on our patrol ship are all somehow "fabricated."

Seeing such series of odd behavior leads me to think that today’s North Korea is like a roller coaster without a break, making it very difficult to predict at what point it might turn, at what angle, and at what speed. This kind of tendency can be observed not only in North Korea’s relations with the South, but with the international community at large.

Dear Colleagues,

Looking at such a fluidity in North Korea, one cannot help but to realize the importance of unity and determination for peace within the international community.

For our part, the Korean government is making an effort to build a multi-faceted and multi-layered network of peace with the international community, as we pursue the policy of Korean Peninsula Trust Building Process. An example of such efforts is the formation of the "Policy Committee on Diplomacy for Unification" with the German Foreign Ministry.

Moreover, the Korean government is further strengthening its strategic communications with major regional organizations. Since its inauguration, the Park Geun-hye government launched strategic dialogues with the Arab League, the GCC and CEALAC, and created a brand new forum of cooperation among middle powers called MIKTA. Similar consultation is planned to be launched with the Visegrad Group of four Eastern European countries.

Korea is further stepping up its coordination and cooperation with the international community for a complete resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue. In order to explore various ways to seek progress in denuclearization of North Korea and block any further sophistication of its nuclear program, we are maintaining close communication with the countries concerned while sending out strong warnings against the possibility of a fourth nuclear test.

Meanwhile, our patient efforts to build peace continue. Despite the continued provocations by North Korea, we are seeking to improve the inter-Korean relations and taking one step at a time closer to unification.

As you are aware, President Park Geun-hye put forward three concrete proposals – agenda for humanity, agenda for co-prosperity, and agenda for integration – in the speech delivered back in March, in Dresden, Germany.

As soon as North Korea is forthcoming, these are concrete and practical proposals that can be realized. It is our sincere hope that North Korea will respond to President Park’s proposal, which through small steps, will begin to build trust, and eventually pave the way to greater exchanges and cooperation.

Dear Colleagues,

The month of May, often called "the Queen of all seasons" is now passing. As we start to see deeper greens in the leaves of the trees, we will start to see nature’s tireless effort to bring the great fruition in coming autumn.

Today’s launch of the Peace Club is another important landmark in our efforts to build a genuine peace on the Korean Peninsula. I would like to thank you all once again for coming to take part in this meaningful event today. I wish every one of you health and success, and for the even further deepening of the ties of friendship between Korea and the countries you represent.

Thank you.