Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced Tuesday that South Korea is committed to bolstering cooperation with Pacific Island countries (PICs) in tackling climate change, along with digital and development projects, to address regional challenges. Cho emphasized this commitment during the sixth Korea-Pacific Islands foreign ministers' meeting held in Seoul, highlighting South Korea's increased official development assistance this year compared to 2023.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho stated that the focus will be on advancing cooperation tailored to the specific needs of the region, particularly in areas such as climate resilience, digital capacity, and resource management. The meeting, co-hosted by Cho and Peter Shannel Agovaka, the Solomon Islands' top diplomat, operated under the theme "Partnership for a Resilient, Peaceful and Prosperous Pacific."

The event gathered representatives from 17 member countries and territories of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), including 14 PICs, as well as Australia and New Zealand. The PIF is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to enhancing cooperation among 18 countries within the Pacific region.

During the assembly, the participating diplomats adopted a joint statement affirming their commitment to enhanced cooperation on climate change, environmental issues, oceans, maritime affairs, and fisheries. Additionally, the ministers expressed support for South Korea's plan to co-host the fourth U.N. Ocean Conference with Chile in 2028.