1. On the sidelines of the 51st Munich Security Conference, Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on February 8. In the meeting, the two top diplomats discussed in depth ways to promote the Republic of Korea-Russia relations as well as the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, including the North Korean nuclear issue.

2. The two Ministers took note of the steady advances in bilateral ties, as demonstrated by constructive dialogue between government officials on various levels; the growth of substantive cooperation, such as in trade and shipbuilding; and the increase in people-to-people exchanges facilitated by the entry into effect of the bilateral Agreement on the Mutual Abolition of Visa Requirements. With the year 2015 marking the 25th anniversary of the ROK-Russia diplomatic relations, they agreed to hold diverse events in commemoration of the occasion.

◦ The two sides agreed to hold a policy consultation and a strategic dialogue between their Foreign Ministries, as well as a working-level meeting of their joint committee on economy, science and technology.

◦ The ROK side spoke about its plan on the tentatively-called “Eurasia Silk Road Friendship Express” project, in response to which the Russian delegation expressed willingness to work closely together with the ROK for its success.

◦ Minister Lavrov voiced hope to see the ROK leader at the commemorative ceremony for Russia’s victory in World War II to take place in 2015. Minister Yun responded that the ROK President’s possible attendance at the event is being reviewed, with such factors as her schedule comprehensively taken into account.

3. With regard to North Korea and its nuclear issue, Minister Yun lauded Russia for maintaining its firm, zero tolerance stance toward the North Korean nuclear issue and repeatedly expressing this stance and a similar message to the country. Minister Lavrov mentioned that Russia is expressing its position to North Korea -- such as that the country should comply with the UN Security Council resolutions on its nuclear program -- on appropriate occasions through proper channels.

◦ Minister Yun explained the outcomes of the recent the ROK-US-Japan and ROK-China meetings of head delegates to the Six-Party Talks held to discuss ways to resume the denuclearization process. He proposed that such a meeting be held between the ROK and Russia in the near future, which Minister Lavrov welcomed.

◦ Minister Yun conveyed interest in recent high-level exchanges between Russia and North Korea. Minister Lavrov pointed out that Russia will pursue its relations with North Korea in a way that does not undermine interests of other neighboring countries.

◦ The two Ministers, sharing the view that ROK-Russia-North Korea trilateral projects, such as the Rajin-Khasan logistics project, play a positive role in terms of the situation on the Korean Peninsula, agreed to consult closely to make a success of such projects.

4. With respect to the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative, Minister Yun spoke about the ROK’s plan to hold high-level inter-governmental consultations on the policy in 2015. Minister Lavrov brought renewed attention to the fact that Russia’s position on the policy is clearly stated in the ROK-Russia joint statement adopted in 2013 and that Russia had sent a high-level official to a relevant inter-governmental meeting in 2014. He went on to propose that the two countries continue working together in that regard.

5. In terms of the situation in Ukraine, Minister Yun stressed that the situation should be resolved in a peaceful manner as soon as possible through a thorough implementation of the measures stipulated in the Minsk agreement. Minister Lavrov responded that the Russian government hopes for that as well. 


              Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation