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South Korea's Climate Pledge: Lee Vows Support for Pacific Islands Amid Rising Seas

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to deepen cooperation with Pacific Island countries on climate change. He made this commitment during a meeting with foreign ministers from 15 Pacific Island nations in Seoul. The countries adopted a joint statement focusing on climate, environmental, and maritime issues. This aligns with the Pacific Islands' top foreign policy priority, as rising sea levels threaten their very existence.

Key Points: South Korea's Lee Pledges Climate Cooperation with Pacific Island Nations

  • Lee met with top diplomats from 15 Pacific Island nations and the Pacific Islands Forum
  • South Korea commits to leading on global challenges like the climate crisis
  • Cooperation will focus on climate resilience, digital capacity, and sustainable resource management
  • Seoul has doubled its official development assistance to the region this year
2 min read

South Korea: Lee vows to enhance climate change cooperation with Pacific Island countries

President Lee Jae Myung meets Pacific Island foreign ministers, pledging enhanced cooperation on climate change, fisheries, and development assistance.

"We will respond proactively to the shared threat of the climate crisis and to support vulnerable countries in achieving self-sustaining growth. - President Lee Jae Myung"

Seoul, Dec 10

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday met with foreign ministers from Pacific Island countries and pledged to deepen cooperation on climate change and other shared global challenges.

Lee held talks with the top diplomats from 15 Pacific Island nations and the secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, who were in Seoul for the sixth Korea-Pacific Islands foreign ministers' meeting.

"As a responsible member of the global community, the Republic of Korea is committed to taking the lead in addressing the pressing challenges facing humanity," Lee said, referring to South Korea's official name.

"We will respond proactively to the shared threat of the climate crisis and to support vulnerable countries in achieving self-sustaining growth based on Korea's own development experience to build a better future together," he added.

Lee also highlighted Korea's growing strategic ties with the region, noting its role as a major source of tuna and a key fisheries hub, as well as its significant potential for expanded cooperation in the mineral and energy sectors, Yonhap news agency reported.

During the ministerial meeting hosted by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Tuesday, the top diplomats adopted a joint statement committing to enhanced cooperation on climate change and environmental issues, as well as oceans, maritime affairs and fisheries.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun had said that South Korea will strengthen cooperation with the Pacific Island countries in areas of climate change, and digital and development projects to help tackle regional challenges.

Cho made the pledge during the sixth Korea-Pacific Islands foreign ministers' meeting in Seoul, noting that Seoul has doubled its official development assistance this year compared with 2023.

"We will continue to advance cooperation tailored to local needs, supporting priorities such as climate resilience, digital capacity and resource management," Cho said in opening remarks.

Pacific Island countries place climate change at the top of their foreign policy agenda as rising sea levels pose an existential threat to the islands within decades.

Lee welcomed the outcome and expressed hope for continued communication and exchanges through high-level consultations.

South Korea has steadily expanded its engagement with Pacific Island countries since establishing diplomatic relations beginning with Tonga in 1970.

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- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Good initiative. But let's be honest, this is also about strategic influence and resources like tuna and minerals. The Pacific is becoming a new arena for geopolitical competition. Hope the cooperation is genuine and not just another "debt-trap" style deal for the islands. 🤔
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Rohit P
Climate change is a global problem that needs global solutions. It's heartening to see developed nations stepping up to help the most vulnerable. The Pacific Islands are on the front lines. We in India know about climate vulnerability too—our coastal states need similar focused support.
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Sarah B
Doubling development assistance is commendable. The focus on digital capacity and climate resilience is spot on. However, I hope the projects are sustainable and involve local communities in planning, not just top-down solutions. That's often where international cooperation fails.
V
Vikram M
Interesting move. South Korea is clearly expanding its diplomatic footprint. While climate cooperation is the stated goal, the mention of fisheries and minerals tells the real story. Every nation acts in its interest, ultimately. Let's see how this plays out.
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Nisha Z
As someone from a coastal city, I feel for these island nations. Rising sea levels are not a distant threat. More countries need to take concrete action like this. South Korea's development experience could be very valuable for building resilience. 👍

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