Korea seeks deeper ties with Pacific Islands

Dec 11, 2025, 08:18 am

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President Lee Jae-myung greets foreign ministers from Pacific Island countries during their group meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on December 10. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung said on December 10 that Korea and Pacific Island nations have “significant potential” to expand cooperation in minerals and energy, underscoring Seoul’s commitment to deepening its engagement with the region.

Lee made the remarks during a group meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan with foreign ministers visiting Seoul for the Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He noted that more than 90 percent of tuna consumed by Koreans is caught in Pacific waters, calling the region “a core fishing ground for Korea’s distant-water fleet.”

He recalled that Korea established its first diplomatic ties in the region with Tonga in 1970 and has since strengthened relations for over half a century. With the establishment of ties with Niue in 2023, Korea “became part of the Pacific family,” he added.

Lee highlighted that Korea has maintained high-level diplomatic dialogue with Pacific countries since 1995 through the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and has advanced shared prosperity through $240 million in ODA projects, aimed at supporting sustainable development across the region.

As a “globally responsible nation,” Korea will continue contributing to solutions for worldwide challenges, he said, stressing leadership on climate action and support for vulnerable states based on Korea’s own development experience.

Referring to the sixth Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on December 9, Lee welcomed the wide-ranging discussions on development cooperation, climate change, and maritime and fisheries issues. He expressed hope that such high-level consultations will continue to “deepen communication and exchange between the two sides.”

Lee also mentioned the youth exchange program Talk the Blue Pacific, which involves Korean university students. He said human and cultural exchanges form the foundation for future cooperation and stronger friendship between Korea and Pacific Island nations.

#Korea-Pacific ties #minerals cooperation #energy partnership #ODA #climate action