1. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini on August 6 on the sidelines of ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ meetings. They discussed ways to advance the ROK-EU relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and ways to work together on the North Korean nuclear issue.

2. Minister Kang took note that the relations between the ROK and the EU have been developing into an exemplary strategic partnership during High Representative Mogherini’s term, as demonstrated by the entry into force of the ROK-EU FTA and the agreement on participation in crisis management operations, and said that Europe is a very important cooperation partner in the ROK government’s efforts to expand its diplomatic horizons.

o High Representative Mogherini said that the ROK and the EU have been maintaining the best strategic and cooperative relations, and offered to work together to expand the scope of the bilateral cooperation to cover new areas in bilateral, regional and global affairs.

3. Minister Kang took note of the EU’s continued interest and commitment to contribute to solving the North Korean nuclear problem, and offered to further strengthen strategic communications and cooperation to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.

o High Representative Mogherini expressed concern over the rapidly growing nuclear and missile capabilities of North Korea, and as the EU Foreign Affairs Council stated in its conclusions on North Korea adopted on July 17, she expressed full support for the ROK’s leading role in addressing issues on the Korean Peninsula. She also said that the EU is ready to actively contribute to resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.

4. Minister Kang and High Representative Mogherini agreed to continue to closely consult on various issues.


* unofficial translation