By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Meeting with French Ambassador to South Korea Philippe Bertoux on October 15, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said, "I ask for your active involvement in the issue of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula."

At a meeting with Ambassador Bertoux in the Minister's Office at the Government Complex Seoul, Chung said, "Just as North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia and the war in Ukraine directly impact the security of the European Union (EU), the issue of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula is directly linked to the peace and stability of the EU."

Minister Chung mentioned his attendance at the 35th anniversary of German Unification Day in Germany earlier this month and said, "Despite France and Germany sharing a painful history of mutual destruction during World War I and II, I was truly envious of the French president attending and giving a speech on German Unification Day."

He continued, "I earnestly hope that the era of hostility and hatred on the Korean Peninsula will end and an era of peaceful coexistence will begin, leading to peaceful coexistence in Northeast Asia and ultimately to world peace."

Minister Chung also stated that he had requested the EU to operate a "Korean Peninsula Peace Envoy" and received a positive response.

Ambassador Bertoux said, "German reunification is truly the most beautiful success story in our modern history. It was possible because East and West Germany built an environment based on trust, and the trust extended by France and other European countries was crucial."

He continued, "Many countries interested in peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula continue to support this cause. France and the EU, of course, are among these countries."

Ambassador Bertoux emphasized, "France has maintained its involvement and concern regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula, both at the national level and through the UN."

He added, "In particular, we have condemned North Korea's nuclear and missile development in violation of UN resolutions. We have also expressed concern that Russia's close relationship with North Korea, through its involvement in the war of aggression against Ukraine, is extending its influence to the Korean Peninsula."

He also expressed concern about North Korea's human rights abuses. “As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, we are actively urging North Korea to improve its international situation," said the ambassador.