Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Nanaia Mahuta met with Korea President Yoon, in addition to Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna, throughout her current go to to Korea.Â
“It was an honour to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the first Korea – Pacific Leaders’ Summit. We discussed Pacific ambitions under the 2050 Strategy for Blue Pacific Continent, including the need for collective action on climate change and sea-level rise,” Nanaia Mahuta stated.
Minister Mahuta additionally shared these views with the acting-Executive Director Henry Gonzalez, of the Green Climate Fund, which is predicated in Korea.
When assembly with Korea’s Foreign Minister Park, discussions included the significance of shut cooperation with Members of the Pacific Islands Forum to handle local weather change and financial improvement challenges within the area.Â
“It was a pleasure to meet my counterpart Minister Park Jin and discuss our commitment to and support for the international rules-based order, democratic norms and our shared values,” Nanaia Mahuta stated.
Ministers mentioned the long-standing bilateral relationship stretching again to the Korean War and highlighted the celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations celebrated in 2022.Â
Ministers famous the safety risk posed by the DPRK’s (North Korea) fixed provocations to Korea and the broader area. Minister Park acknowledged Aotearoa New Zealand’s help for the United Nations Command and ongoing dedication to imposing sanctions in opposition to the DPRK.
“It was moving to visit the UN Cemetery in Busan and then later to meet our NZDF troops stationed at the Demilitarized Zone. Yesterday morning’s launch by North Korea, was a stark reminder of the security challenges on the Korean Peninsula.
“Aotearoa New Zealand condemns North Korea’s escalation of tensions, and our solidarity is with the folks and authorities of South Korea and Japan at the moment.
“These past and contemporary military areas were a poignant reminder to me of the security challenges on the Korean Peninsula,” Nanaia Mahuta stated.
Minister Mahuta additionally hosted a business-networking occasion the place she shared New Zealand’s dedication to persevering with our shut commerce and financial relationship with Korea.
“Our two-way trade has more than doubled since the signing of the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in 2015, from $4 billion in 2015 to $8.2 billion in the year ending 2022.
The fast-paced three-day programme saw Minister Mahuta spend time in the capital, Seoul, as well as the second largest city, Busan, on the south coast of the Korean Peninsula, and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the northern border.
“I need to acknowledge Korea’s manaakitanga and hospitality in internet hosting Pacific Islands Forum Members at this inaugural Summit,” Nanaia Mahuta stated.
Source: Beehive