1. Director-General for Korean Peninsula Policy Lee Junil hosted a roundtable on the Korean Peninsula affairs for members of the Peace Club and the Peninsula Club, respectively on July 1 and July 3. He provided explanations on recent developments regarding North Korea and the ROK government's stance on them. Approximately 30 diplomats attended the events, including ambassadors from Guatemala, Norway, Denmark, Laos, Bulgaria, Brazil, Spain, Czechia, France, Australia, and the EU.

※  Peace Club: A consultative body between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions in Seoul of countries that have established diplomatic missions or development offices in North Korea (20 countries)

※ Peninsula Club: A consultative body between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions in Seoul that cover both the ROK and North Korea (20 countries)

2. Director-General Lee emphasized that the recent trends of close cooperation between Russia and North Korea, such as strengthening mutual military and economic cooperation through a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, clearly demonstrate that security in Asia and Europe is closely interconnected. He stressed that the international community should firmly respond to these developments.

3. Director-General Lee also highlighted that North Korea continues to pose threats to the ROK through various provocations, including the so-called "reconnaissance satellite" and ballistic missile launches, as well as GPS disruptions and the release of trash balloons. He stated that the ROK government will react with determination to any North Korean provocations to ensure the safety of its citizens.

4. Many participants expressed concerns about the deepening cooperation between Russia and North Korea and agreed that strong messages should be delivered on various platforms, including the multilateral stage. They also raised concerns about North Korea's provocations, including the release of trash balloons, and pointed out that these could cause harm not only to the Korean people but also to foreign residents. They urged North Korea to cease these actions that heighten tensions and to return to dialogue.

5. The participants underscored that this roundtable provided a valuable opportunity to enhance their understanding of the ROK government's stance on the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage with the diplomatic corps to promote a better understanding on the ROK government’s policies on North Korea.