Remarks by H.E. Mr. Park Jin
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Security Council High-Level Open Debate
on Maintenance of International Peace and Security
September 20, 2023
Mr. President,
I wish to first thank Albania for convening this meeting
and the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing.
More than a year has passed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
We are gravely concerned about the escalating human toll
and the global ramifications,
especially in regions already grappling with
humanitarian challenges and food insecurity.
We extend our sympathies to the grieving families.
This act of aggression is a clear violation
of the UN Charter and international law.
It also erodes the pillars of
trust, cooperation, and global solidarity
that the international community has built over decades.
From the standpoint of the Republic of Korea
- a nation all too familiar with the pains of conflict and division -
we resonate profoundly with
the trials and tribulations of the Ukrainian people.
It is this empathy that strengthens our determination
to champion meaningful efforts
to end this war and restore peace in Ukraine.
The recent visit of President Yoon Suk Yeol to Ukraine in July
serves as a testament to this commitment.
During his visit,
he unveiled the Ukraine Peace and Solidarity Initiative
- a concrete expression of support for the Ukrainian people.
In line with this initiative,
the Republic of Korea will contribute 150 million dollars
in humanitarian assistance this year.
This builds on our contributions from the previous year,
where we delivered 100 million dollars,
including mine-clearing equipment
and emergency medical vehicles.
We will also support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts,
with a commitment of 300 million dollars next year
and a mid- to long-term support package of
more than 2 billion dollars.
At the same time,
we will be active voices in the global discourse
addressing challenges to global food and energy security, intensified by the conflict in Ukraine.
Mr. President,
The media reports emerging from the recent Russia-DPRK summit indicating potential military cooperation are most unsettling.
Any deal that enhances North Korea’s military capabilities
is an unequivocal violation
of relevant Security Council resolutions.
Such developments endanger not just Ukraine
but also the security of the Republic of Korea.
It is regrettable that DPRK
continues on its trajectory of provocations,
consistently breaching Security Council resolutions and international law.
Their continued pursuit of nuclear and missile programs
pose an existential threat to the Republic of Korea,
the broader international community, and the NPT regime.
Given Russia's required role
in shaping the international non-proliferation regime
and safeguarding world peace
as a permanent member of the Security Council,
we call on Russia to fully implement
the Council resolutions for which it voted itself.
Mr. President,
The Republic of Korea is preparing
to serve in this Council from next year.
Rest assured of our unwavering dedication
to fulfilling the Council’s fundamental mandate which is to
maintain international peace and security.
I thank you.