Foreign Minister Cho seeks diplomacy puts security and economy
Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul said that he will seek to reinforce South Korea's diplomacy that puts security and economy together to address complex challenges such as the strategic competition between the United States and the People's Republic of China. This was reported by Yonhap News Agency today (January 12, 2024).
Minisgter Cho made the remarks as he took office as Korea's top diplomat, pointing out that it is becoming increasingly difficult to handle economy and security as two separate areas at a time and in an atmosphere oof a 'great geopolitical transition' that appears be unfold these days.
"The confrontation between liberal and authoritarian countries is deepening day by day, making it difficult for diplomacy to operate with the economy and security being separate, and the world has become structurally difficult to pursue practical interests while excluding values," Cho said in the inauguration speech.
"I intend to strengthen our diplomatic capabilities to converge on economy and security, and create a work system and culture to make it possible," he said.
Cho said he will work to promote South Korea's diplomatic status as a significant middle power so as to realize its push to join the envisioned expanded version of the Group of Seven (G7) developed countries.
"Our country is already recognized as an advanced country," Cho said. "I hope to solidify the national status as a potential 'G7 Plus' candidate in the near future, or higher, during my term in office," he added.