Seoul: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Wednesday to discuss enhancing cooperation between South Korea and the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), officials reported.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Turk emphasized South Korea's role as an important strategic partner to OHCHR and recognized its contributions in the global human rights arena. He expressed a desire to continue strengthening the collaboration between the two parties. Prime Minister Kim highlighted South Korea's commitment to human rights and democracy and mentioned the nation's intention to reciprocate the international assistance it has received by working closely with OHCHR.

As a leader in artificial intelligence, South Korea aims to establish a "global AI hub" in collaboration with U.N. agencies. This initiative seeks to foster discussions on technology, ethics, and standards, with potential dialogues on AI and human rights also involving OHCHR, according to Kim. Turk acknowledged the significance of these efforts and affirmed OHCHR's willingness to support them.

The U.N. human rights chief also showed interest in North Korea's human rights issues, particularly concerning individuals kidnapped and held by the North. He assured that OHCHR would assume necessary roles in addressing these concerns. Prime Minister Kim agreed on the importance of ongoing communication regarding these issues.

Turk's visit to South Korea marks the first official visit by a U.N. human rights chief to the country in 11 years, with his three-day stay commencing on Tuesday.