Since the launch of the new administration, MOFAT has been undertaking a “creative and pragmatic” approach in its diplomatic efforts to realize the ROK’s vision of becoming a truly “Global Korea.”

MOFAT concentrated on establishing the foreign policy framework of the new administration. MOFAT will fine-tune its foreign policy objectives with a view to further advancing Korea’s diplomacy in key areas. Namely, MOFAT has set three priority tasks to respond to the changes in Korea’s diplomatic environment. They are: first, revitalizing the economy, second, further developing the ROK-U.S. Strategic Alliance, and third, making substantial progress in the North Korean nuclear issue.

First and foremost, the Foreign Ministry will exert utmost diplomatic efforts to revitalize Korea’s economy, while endeavoring to alleviate the difficulties faced by its people in the economic crisis. In this vein, the ROK will actively participate in international discussions such as at the G20 Summit and continue to work closely with major economies to prevent trade protectionism as well. It will step up promotional campaigns to enhance its international credit standing, and expand its participation in international financial institutions.

Furthermore, MOFAT will concentrate on the early conclusion and ratification of the FTAs with the U.S. and EU and actively participate in international efforts for an early conclusion of the DDA negotiations, all of which will pave the way for the expansion of our trade in the future. As such, assisting in the efforts to overcome the economic crisis will be a top priority for Korea.

Secondly, with the launch of the new U.S. administration, the Foreign Ministry will step up efforts to further enhance the ROK-U.S. Strategic Alliance. Through close consultations with the new Obama administration, the ROK will endeavor to further develop the ROK-U.S. alliance, not only in the realm of security, but in the political, social, cultural and economic fields as well.

And, Korea and the U.S. will work closely together in pursuit of alliance readjustments, such as relocation projects. Based on their robust security posture, the two nations will surely be able to make smooth progress in developing the alliance into a “Strategic Alliance for the 21st Century.”

Thirdly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to strive to make substantial progress in the North Korean nuclear issue. Korea is faced with the task of completing the second phase of denuclearization and embarking on the third phase.

With the goal of making substantial progress toward denuclearization, including the setting up of a verification mechanism, Korea will strengthen cooperation and coordination with the other members of the Six-Party Talks. In particular, Korea will consult closely with the new U.S. administration to come up with both a short-term and a longer-term macro strategy to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.

Korea has emphasized that developments will be made in inter-Korean relations according to progress made on the denuclearization of North Korea, based on the principle of “mutual benefits and common prosperity.” In this way, efforts will be made to ensure that the North Korean nuclear issue and inter-Korean relations will progress side by side in a positive direction.

While focusing on the three priority tasks above, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to strive to advance our nation into an “advanced and globally prestigious country” in other areas of interest as well.

MOFAT will seek to establish a global network for cooperation with the greater international community. With the establishment of the Korea-Arab Society last year and the opening of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, Korea is eager to forge bonds of mutual cooperation with nations in ASEAN and the Middle East. Hence, it will continue to reach out to more countries and further enhance its cooperative relations with them.

MOFAT will spare no efforts in creating a new engine for sustained growth. It will focus on expanding our FTA networks, and strengthening natural resources and energy cooperation and in particular, building international consensus for our policy of “Low Carbon, Green Growth.” In this regard, we held the “East Asia Climate Forum” in May last year in Seoul, with plans to illustrate a model of “Low Carbon, Green Growth” which is applicable to developing countries. The more recently pronounced “Green New Deal” also aims to promote eco-friendly growth in order to ensure sustainable development. And, of course Korea will actively take part in the UN climate change negotiations as well.

Also, commensurate with its economic capacity, the ROK will seek to enhance its role and standing as a responsible member of the international community. As a part of such efforts, it plans to increase participation in international organizations, for example by making a bid to serve as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2013. Korea joined the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) last year by the year. Korea also has plans to gradually expand its PKO deployment as well. Furthermore, Korea will continue to engage in cultural exchanges through the hosting of cultural events, facilitating people-to-people exchanges and supporting the so-called Korean Wave by assisting in the promotion of popular Korean movies, dramas, and music overseas.

Last but not least, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will improve the quality of consular services by establishing the online tourist registration service and the public-private cooperative body to enhance the safety of Korean nationals abroad. Also, the Ministry will continue to facilitate simpler visa arrangements with other countries for the convenience of Koreans traveling abroad. As such, Korea will endeavor to ensure that its diplomacy could have a tangible impact on improving the lives of the general public.

Henceforth, in living up to its aims of becoming a truly “Global Korea,” Korea stands ready to play a greater role as a responsible member of the international community with its vision and courage.