Photo: Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea
I sincerely congratulate the opening of the JoongAng Ilbo-CSIS Forum, which has evolved into a platform for discourse on international issues.
Since its inception in 2011, this forum has forecasted changes in the international order and discussed peace strategies for the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.
I express my deepest gratitude to Chairman Hong Seok-hyun, President John Hamre, Senior Vice President Victor Cha, and all CSIS associates for leading this meaningful forum.
I also extend a welcome to the many distinguished scholars who have graced this occasion.
The theme of this forum is "Polycrisis."
We are currently facing a crisis of uncertainty.
The term "international economic order" is becoming meaningless as regions and blocs divide, and political and security elements are becoming more important than economic ones, with unpredictable changes that are far from "order."
The competition between the U.S. and China continues, the confrontation between Russia and Western countries has solidified after the war in Ukraine, and the instability in the Middle East, such as the Israel-Hamas armed conflict, is exacerbating, rapidly reshaping the "international security order."
North Korea's ceaseless nuclear and missile provocations and the advent of a new Cold War era are heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
In the midst of these challenging tasks, the theme of this forum is very timely.
I extend my deepest appreciation and respect to all of you here today for sharing your insights and wisdom.
Over the past year, the Yoon Suk Yeol administration has strengthened the ROK-U.S. alliance and normalized strained relations with Japan.
This is a tremendous diplomatic achievement that has revitalized the value of the ROK-U.S. alliance and dramatically advanced our relations with Japan, which had been frozen for 12 years.
First, through last year’s state visit by President Yoon and subsequent summits, the ROK–U.S. alliance is developing into a comprehensive strategic alliance that encompasses military, economic, and future cutting-edge technology areas, as well as economic security.
Furthermore, through the trilateral solidarity of South Korea, the United States, and Japan fostered by summit meetings, we are strengthening international cooperation and collaboration for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
In response to the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia that threatens immediate peace, we are dealing with it through close solidarity among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, and in coordination with the international community.
We will effectively deter North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations and actively contribute to the international efforts to end the war in Ukraine and bring peace.
The security and economic principle of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration is to strengthen alliances and protect national interests following the "rules-based international order," while reviving the economy through a private-led market economy.
Last year, the Korean government did its utmost best to revitalize our economy amid global economic slowdown and supply chain disruptions.
We have secured fiscal health, highly rated by global credit rating agencies, and are promoting investment and industry innovation through bold regulatory and structural reforms.
Particularly, leveraging the president's “sales diplomacy,” we are working to broaden our economic horizons by expanding overseas markets in nuclear power and defense, among other areas.
Through these efforts, exports have revived since the end of last year, achieving the highest employment rate and the largest foreign direct investment in the country’s history. As a result, the Korean economy is gradually regaining its vitality.
In this way, South Korea has risen to the ranks of advanced nations through the power of freedom, solidarity, and an open economy.
Now, we will do our best as a global pivotal state that contributes to the international community.
We will actively engage in addressing global issues such as the climate crisis and AI safety and lead necessary agendas.
In addition, leveraging Korea's experience of growth, we will support the development of the Global South, including Africa, and further strengthen cooperation in various fields.
This year, along with the U.S. presidential election, approximately half of the world's population will participate in elections, making it a "year of global elections."
We look forward to your active discussions and valuable opinions regarding the changes in the international landscape and the various challenges.
Meanwhile, I believe that the second Summit for Democracy, which will be hosted by our country in March, will serve as a great opportunity for the global spread of democracy.
Until now, the world has achieved peace and shared prosperity through trade within the currents of free trade and globalization.
Now, in the midst of the global polycrisis, countries are strengthening the trends of protectionism and nationalism to safeguard their own economic security.
However, the complex challenges surrounding us, such as technological innovation, digital transformation, carbon neutrality, and pandemics, cannot be solved by any single country alone.
Ultimately, solidarity, cooperation, and multilateralism that adheres to international norms are the paths to overcome these challenges together.
South Korea will strive to play a greater role in restoring trust in the global system and resolving international issues.
I expect all of you gathered here today to be excellent guides for our government's foreign and security policies.
Thank you.
Han Duck-soo is the prime minister of the Republic of Korea.
*This was translated from Korean. For the original Korean speech, please see here.
