Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced South Korea's commitment to bolstering cooperation with Pacific Island countries (PICs) in addressing climate change and enhancing digital and development projects. Cho emphasized this commitment during the sixth Korea-Pacific Islands foreign ministers' meeting in Seoul, highlighting Seoul's increase in official development assistance compared to the previous year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho underscored the importance of advancing cooperation tailored to the specific needs of the region, focusing on priorities such as climate resilience, digital capacity, and resource management. The meeting, co-hosted by Cho and Peter Shannel Agovaka, the top diplomat of the Solomon Islands, followed the theme "Partnership for a Resilient, Peaceful and Prosperous Pacific."

The assembly included 17 member countries and territories of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), with participation from Australia and New Zealand. The PIF, an intergovernmental body, aims to enhance cooperation among Pacific nations. A joint statement was adopted to commit to increased collaboration on climate change, environmental issues, oceans, maritime affairs, and fisheries.

Additionally, the ministers expressed support for South Korea's initiative to co-host the fourth U.N. Ocean Conference with Chile in 2028. On the meeting's sidelines, Cho engaged in bilateral discussions with representatives from the Solomon Islands, the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Papua New Guinea. He also had brief meetings with delegations from Australia and New Zealand.

In discussions with Papua New Guinea, an agreement was signed to establish a legal framework for South Korea's stable assistance and development programs in the Pacific nation. Moreover, Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina engaged with her Fiji counterpart to explore expanding cooperation in climate change, maritime affairs, fisheries, and other development initiatives.