Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers concluded the 6th Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers Meeting in Seoul, held from 8–9 December, reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation under the theme “Partnerships for a Resilient, Peaceful, and Prosperous Pacific.” This marked the first Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers Meeting to include all Forum members, reinforcing the One Blue Pacific Principles of unity and solidarity as outlined in the Blue Pacific Principles for Dialogue and Engagement and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The biennial discussions, aimed at strengthening political dialogue and partnership, were co-chaired by the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea, Cho Hyun, and the Foreign Minister of Solomon Islands, Peter Shanel Agovaka. A PIF Secretariat delegation led by Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa supported the regional ministerial delegation.
The meeting was also attended by the Crown Prince of Tonga Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, the President of New Caledonia Alcide Ponga, the Prime Minister of Niue Dalton Talelagi, and Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo.
A joint statement released at the end of the meeting welcomed the continued elevation of Korea–PIF relations, including Korea’s support for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, as well as its focus on inclusive development, trade and investment, and regional solidarity.
Peter Shanel Agovaka, in his opening remarks, highlighted that the partnership between Korea and the PIF is grounded in shared values and a commitment to the well-being of the region’s peoples.
“Our partnership is strengthened when it aligns with Pacific-led mechanisms, and today’s outcomes reflect our shared commitment to safeguarding our ocean, our resources, and the stability of our region,” said Agovaka.
Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun reflected on the spirit of solidarity within the Pacific Islands Forum and how it guides Korea’s partnership with the region.
“Korea will keep convening our consultative mechanisms including the Foreign Ministers Meeting and the Senior Officials Meeting to build a more structured framework for collaboration, the Pacific must remain an arena of coexistence, harmony and cooperation,” Cho said in his opening remarks.
Korea reaffirmed its recognition of the Pacific Islands Forum as the region’s premier political body, acknowledged the outcomes of the 54th PIF Leaders Meeting in Honiara in September, and welcomed key regional achievements, including the establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace declaration, and progress on the Leaders’ Policy on Partnerships. Korea also expressed its commitment to advancing cooperation in technology and innovation, strengthening regional security, and announced its intention to contribute to the PRF next year.
On climate leadership, Forum Ministers stressed the urgency of global action and welcomed Korea’s strong engagement on the climate agenda. They expressed support for continued ambition aligned with the 1.5°C pathway and noted Korea’s announcement of its 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Forum Ministers reaffirmed the importance of sustainable ocean governance and acknowledged Korea’s constructive role at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). They commended Korea’s support for combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, including initiatives delivered through the Korea–PIF Cooperation Fund, and emphasised the need for ongoing alignment with Pacific-led mechanisms.
Ministers committed to deepening cultural and people-to-people exchanges and strengthening cooperation to support innovation, digital connectivity, and trade.
The PIF Ministers welcomed Korea’s initiative to co-host the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference with Chile in 2028, recognising this as a significant opportunity to amplify Pacific leadership and drive greater global investment and action to safeguard the ocean.
The first Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers meeting was held in 2011, with the next meeting scheduled for 2027.
