President Yoon Suk-yeol conducted a series of bilateral talks with the leaders of five Pacific Island nations in Seoul, discussing strategies to bolster relationships in areas such as climate change and development cooperation. Yoon emphasized South Korea’s commitment to freedom and the rule of law, expressing a desire for trust-based relations with these nations. He advocated for the evaluation of bilateral cooperation and the expansion of mutually beneficial relations in areas like development, climate change, fisheries and healthcare.

The five Pacific Island leaders convened in Seoul to attend the inaugural South Korea-Pacific Island Nations summit, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. This event, aimed at fortifying cooperation among island countries in the region, is expected to include leaders and senior officials from all 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).