1. Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs Ham Sang-wook, together with Director-General for Multilateral and International Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya Salim Mohamed Salim, virtually held the “1^st Korea-Kenya high-level policy consultation on global issues” at 4 p.m., February 2 (Korea Standard Time).

2. In the consultation, the two sides discussed key global issues, including Kenya’s plan as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term; Korean Peninsula issues and other key agendas of the Security Council; preparations for the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial to be held in Korea in December this year; and recent challenges to multilateralism and future prospects.

o The Korean side asked Kenya, a new member of the Security Council, to give continued attention and support to the Korean Peninsula peace process. The Kenyan side commended the Korean government’s efforts so far, and suggested continuing close communication between the two countries at the UN.

o In addition, the Korean side asked for Kenya’s participation and cooperation in ensuring the success of the 2021 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial to be hosted by Korea in early December this year.

o The Kenyan side explained that as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2021-2022 term, Kenya will focus its activities on regional security in Africa, counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and climate change and security. The two sides agreed to hold the high-level policy consultation on global issues on a regular basis following the 1^st one.

3. The 1^st consultation served as an opportunity to reinforce the foundation for multilateral cooperation between the two countries by establishing a separate dialogue channel on multilateral issues with Kenya, a new non-permanent member of the Security Council. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to hold bilateral consultations with members of the Security Council as part of its efforts to prepare for Korea’s bid for non-permanent membership of the Security Council for the 2024-2025 term.