(Unofficial translation)

Thank you, Chairman.

Your Majesty, heads of state and government,

East Asia is now faced with grave challenges. Growing concerns have been voiced over cross-border threats, such as terrorism, violent extremism and natural disasters, as well as protectionism.

This is precisely the time when East Asia Summit-level cooperation is needed.

For its part, Korea is making determined efforts to resolve Korean Peninsula-related issues in the belief that peace on the Peninsula is the beginning of peace and common prosperity in East Asia.

At last year’s meeting, we confirmed the primary principles of denuclearization and the settlement of peace on the Korean Peninsula. The heads of state and government demonstrated active support for the efforts made by my Administration to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue in a peaceful manner.

The Korean Peninsula has witnessed miraculous changes since last year’s summit. An era of peace is now dawning, following North Korea’s participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, three rounds of inter-Korean summits and the first ever North Korea-United States summit held here in Singapore.

Families separated by Korea’s division had reunions, and the remains of U.S. soldiers killed during the Korean War were repatriated. Weapons and guard posts in the demilitarized zone are being withdrawn, and the West Sea of Korea, once considered a “powder keg in the sea,” is now being transformed into a sea of cooperation and peace.

North Korea is continuing its steps for denuclearization. North Korea has dismantled its nuclear test sites under the watchful eyes of the international community, and it has promised to destroy its missile test site and launching pad and allow inspections of those areas. Corresponding measures from the United States were demanded as preconditions, but the expression of willingness to permanently dismantle the Yeongbyeon nuclear complex is enormous progress as well. 

A reciprocal visit of Chairman Kim Jong Un to Seoul and a second North Korea-United States summit are expected to occur in the near future. My Administration will continue to cooperate closely with East Asian Summit member states for the sake of peace on the Korean Peninsula and throughout East Asia.

I hope that North Korea will implement complete denuclearization with sincerity and begin to participate in a variety of ASEAN meetings. I urge the East Asian Summit and the international community to show continued support.

Chairman, heads of state and government,

For East Asian countries, the sea is a conduit for exchanges and cooperation and a path toward prosperity. Many ships sail across the South China Sea, in particular, and approximately 40 percent of Korea’s total trade crosses it.

I hope that the “Code of Conduct on the South China Sea,” a draft of which was agreed upon by China and ASEAN last August, will be concluded in a manner that respects international laws – including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea – as well as the rights and interests of all countries, so that unrestricted passage and flights over the Sea can be realized.

This year, East Asia was hit by many disasters. I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences and consolation to the people of Indonesia who suffered from the earthquake and tsunami which struck Sulawesi last September.

As Korea often suffers hardships from typhoons and earthquakes, it is particularly sympathetic and has taken special interest in providing humanitarian assistance and support for recovery and reconstruction. We will collaborate through programs such as the Asia disaster resilience promotion project in order to prevent disasters and provide support for damage relief.

Furthermore, I welcome the efforts toward establishing the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. Korea will actively take part in cross-border cooperation for the sake of cybersecurity within the region.

Chairman, heads of state and government,

The East Asian Summit Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN Smart Cities, which was jointly proposed by Korea, has been adopted during this meeting. I would like to express my gratitude to the heads of state and government for their support. I believe that this will be a great opportunity to cooperate on new smart city technologies.

Korea is pursuing the construction of people-centered, inclusive and sustainable smart cities. Utilizing its world-class ICT prowess and relevant know-how, it will take an active role in constructing smart cities in ASEAN nations.

Lastly, I would like to express my concern over the violence that has occurred in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and the large number of refugees it has caused. I support the international community’s efforts to provide generous humanitarian assistance to those refugees.

Korea is looking forward to action from the Independent Commission of Enquiry, which was established by the government of Myanmar last July, and sincerely hopes for the refugees’ safe and prompt return home.

This year, Korea provided US$7 million for humanitarian activities undertaken by international organizations working in Bangladesh and Myanmar. We will continue to make contributions to the reconstruction of Rakhine State while actively cooperating with the international community as well as with Myanmar’s government.

If we are able to overcome the challenges facing us now, the East Asia of peace and prosperity will be within our reach. Through cooperation, all of our countries will be able to prosper together.

Korea will never cease its efforts to realize a people-centered East Asia.

Thank you.