열린장관실

Remarks by H.E. Yoon Young-kwan

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea

at the International Donors Conference on Reconstruction of Iraq

                (October 24, Madrid, Spain)

Mr. Chairman,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me begin by thanking the Spanish Government for hosting this important meeting, and extending my appreciation to the Core Group members - the European Union, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and the United States - for their consistent efforts in making this significant event possible.

I would especially like to applaud the dedication of the international organizations, including UNDG, World Bank and the IMF, for  successfully completing the needs assessment of the 14 priority sectors despite the harsh conditions in field assessment activities, particularly the terrorist attack against the UN Headquarters in Baghdad last August. I expect the role of the international organizations in rebuilding Iraq should be continued.

During the last six months or so, since the conflict in Iraq, there has been substantial progress in rebuilding the country. On the political side, the first significant step towards a new Iraqi Government has been initiated through the launching of the Governing Council in July and Constitutional Preparatory Committee in August, along with the subsequent appointment of Iraqi ministers last month. These remarkable changes are clear evidence of Iraqs positive progress forward.  

On the economic reconstruction front, we saw an extensive economic reform package announced last month, which included a foreign investment framework, a banking sector reform, and tax and tariff schemes.  I am confident that these measures will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone in laying the groundwork for reintegrating Iraq into the global economy. In this sense, I welcome the Private Sector Conference held yesterday, which provided an excellent venue for world businessmen to actively engage in the reconstruction process.

Despite these accomplishments, however, both the Iraqi people and the international community face daunting tasks ahead.  We should not be complacent with our achievements so far.  Iraq needs us, and we should lend consistent support so that the new Iraq can meet the needs and challenges lying ahead and stand on its own feet.

Ensuring internal security of Iraq is one of these great challenges.  Security is an essential prerequisite for a successful reconstruction. Without this, the reconstruction process will be greatly slowed down.  Sufficient supplies of basic public services, stimulating employment, and strengthening ownership of the Iraqi people are needed to prevent the Iraqi situation from worsening.  

More than fifty years ago, as a result of the Korean War, Korea also underwent similar changes that Iraq is now undergoing. We are much indebted to the international community for our initial stages of reconstruction and development.  One of the lessons learned from our experiences is that financial resources are necessary, but human capacity building is even more necessary and important.  

With the importance of human resource development in mind, Korea invited 20 Iraqi public officials to a training program last June, becoming the first host country since the conflict.  Subsequently, we also provided 15 Iraqi officials with training courses this month, bringing the total participants of the training programs to 35 Iraqi officials since the conflict.

The Korean Government would like to join the efforts of international community in providing necessary support to the reconstruction process.  I am pleased to announce our Governments plan for reconstruction assistance to Iraq.  Korea pledges up to $260 million over the course of                                    5 years beginning in this year.

Thus far, Korea has already provided a total of $60 million, of which $10 million in humanitarian assistance was delivered through various UN agencies and Korean NGOs.  The remaining $50 million has been earmarked for reconstructing Iraq for this year on a bilateral basis. For the next 4 years, Korea will contribute a total of $200 million.

For the implementation of our reconstruction assistance, we launched an aid office in Baghdad in August and sent a Government Survey Team the same month to assess the priority sectors in consultation with the Iraqi authorities and the CPA. We are currently working on detailed projects in the priority areas including education, health, water and sanitation, IT, electricity and job training.  We are also focusing our assistance on the rehabilitation of the government buildings and facilities of the old Iraqi ministries by delivering office equipment and supplies needed for normal functioning.

The Korean Government intends to provide assistance on a bilateral basis in principle.  However, the Korean Government also welcomes the introduction of Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF), which is fair and transparent in its operation with effective accountability. As the modalities for the operation of the MDTF take shape, we will review the possibility of our contribution to the Fund.

We are living in a world of growing uncertainties, but at the same time we know that concerted efforts combined with shared responsibilities   significantly help clear those uncertainties.  With the firm support of the international community and the continuous efforts of the Iraqi people in rebuilding their country, the great potential for reconstruction and development of Iraq, with its magnificent, exuberant cultural heritage will be realized. And, I believe that this realization will contribute to peace and stability of the world.

Thank you.