Opening Remarks by H.E. Park Jin

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea

5th Korea-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Busan, October 26, 2022

Premier of Niue Dalton Tagelagi (달톤 타겔라기)

Excellencies, and Distinguished Delegates,

Welcome to the 5th Korea-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

I am pleased to hold today’s important event in Busan,

the world’s fifth-largest container port.

Historically Busan has been the city that

symbolizes Korea’s freedom, peace, and prosperity.

Upon the outbreak of the Korean War,

Busan became the last bastion of hope

as the provisional capital of a war-fighting country.

After the war, the Port of Busan 

served as the industrial export base, 

spearheading Korea’s rapid economic development.

Today, Busan with 3.3 million population, aspires to become a global hub for

international business and a major cultural center

representing the Asia-Pacific.

With Busan at its heart, Korean peninsula is surrounded

by the sea on three sides and has 3,400 islets.

I was surprised to hear that 

the combined exclusive economic zones 

of the Pacific Islands total 40 million square kilometers.

This is more than the size of 

Russia, China, the U.S., and the EU combined.

Hence the term “Blue Pacific Continent.”

Korea and the Pacific Islands countries are neighbors bonded by the Pacific Ocean that we share.

Korea is committed to strengthening partnerships with the Pacific Island countries for the region’s sustainable development and enhanced resilience.

In order to do that, Korea endeavors to expand high-level exchanges with the Pacific Island countries.

The Korea-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting has been the primary cooperation mechanism since 2011.

We look forward to hosting 

the first-ever summit meeting next year.

We hope the summit will become a historic milestone 

for a leap forward in our cooperation.

Moreover, Korea will continue to expand 

its contributions to the region’s sustainable development,

to realize the vision of “a resilient Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity,” 

under the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.”

We will increase official development assistance 

that effectively accommodates 

the demands of the Pacific Island countries.

We will also strengthen our collective efforts 

to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis 

and marine environment degradation.

“Climate Prediction Services” project 

provides customized climate forecast information 

for the Pacific Islands.

Also, Korea is actively cooperating 

in the field of renewable energy such as 

constructing solar power plants.

Furthermore, we will enhance mutual understanding 

to bring our two regions closer through 

expanding people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Through the “COVID-19 Recovery Project,” we are supporting to help pave way for new trade and tourism opportunities between Korea and Pacific Islands.

This will be the solid basis for our partnership.

Excellencies, 

let me bring your attention to two issues.

First, is the North Korean issue.

North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile into the Pacific earlier this month.

Pyongyang's illicit nuclear and missile program 

poses a clear and present threat,

not only to the Korean Peninsula, 

but also to the entire region and beyond. 

North Korea has launched 

a record number of missiles this year, 

and now stands on the verge of its 7th nuclear test. 

It is even threatening to use nuclear weapons 

for a pre-emptive strike.

Now more than ever, 

a resolute and united response 

by the international community is needed. 

Let me express my sincere appreciation 

for the steadfast support by the Pacific Island Countries for achieving complete denuclearization of North Korea.

I look forward to your continued cooperation to this end. 

Second is the World EXPO.

Korea has bid to hold the World Expo 2030

right here in Busan.

Our proposed theme for the World Expo is

“Transforming Our World,

Navigating Toward a Better Future.”

The theme aims to address global challenges, such as the  pandemic and climate change.

No other country has chosen climate change 

as the theme or sub-theme of the World Expo.

The World Expo will significantly benefit the region 

if it were to be held in Busan,

as climate change is the single greatest threat 

to the Pacific Island countries.

Korea and the Pacific Island countries are in the same boat facing a never-ending wave of global challenges. 

I hope our discussion today on the “Vision for the Resilient Blue Pacific: Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity” 

will contribute toward overcoming common challenges and ushering in a future of shared prosperity.

Thank you.                       /End/