Cho Hyun: "The Korean Peninsula Must Not Become Another Powder Keg... Peaceful Coexistence Between the Koreas and US-China Is Crucial"

Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the Lee Jaemyung administration's unwavering commitment to easing tensions and achieving denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing that maintaining peaceful coexistence between North and South Korea and between the United States and China is of utmost importance. He also stated that Korea aims to prevent the deepening of bloc-based confrontation in Northeast Asia by strengthening cooperation with China and Japan.

Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is delivering a welcoming speech at the official dinner of the 21st Jeju Forum held on the 25th at the Haevichi Hotel in Jeju. Courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

At the official dinner of the 21st Jeju Forum held at the Haevichi Hotel in Jeju on the 25th, Minister Cho said, "As long as peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas or between the United States and China can be maintained through appropriate mechanisms, it does not matter whether that peace is a cold peace or a warm peace." The dinner was attended by former heads of state, United Nations Secretary-General candidates, members of the diplomatic corps in Korea, lawmakers, and key speakers.

He also outlined concrete steps to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Minister Cho emphasized, "In today's complex geopolitical environment, preventing the Korean Peninsula from becoming yet another geopolitical powder keg is of utmost importance. This is why maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula remains our top priority."

He continued, "We maintain a firm commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, which is an essential element for sustainable peace. No matter how difficult this goal may be, we are taking a step-by-step and pragmatic approach to achieve it."

Minister Cho stated, "Based on the solid Korea-U.S. alliance, Korea will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities. At the same time, we will bolster strategic solidarity with countries in the region that share our vision."

He further added, "By working more closely with China and Japan, we aim to prevent bloc-centered confrontation from becoming entrenched across Northeast Asia." He continued, "At the same time, we will expand strategic cooperation with like-minded countries both in the region and beyond. High-level exchanges with key partner countries such as India, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines will further strengthen our collaboration with Global South nations."

In addition, regarding the upcoming election of the next United Nations Secretary-General, Minister Cho stated, "Regardless of who is entrusted with the significant responsibility of serving as the 10th Secretary-General, Korea will work closely to ensure that the tragedies of the past do not become the prelude to the future, both on the Korean Peninsula and around the world."

Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, prior to the official dinner, Minister Cho held group meetings with high-ranking officials, including Levent Gumrukcu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, and Dana Purcarescu, French Ambassador for the Indo-Pacific. During these meetings, they discussed the need for joint responses amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and ways to strengthen strategic partnerships among like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific and Europe.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.