(Unofficial Translation)

Honorable Prime Minister Draghi, Your Excellencies, representatives from international organizations, 

The situation in Afghanistan is currently unstable and uncertain. Strong interest and support from the international community would make it possible to significantly change the Afghan situation.

Today, I welcome the opening of the G20 Extraordinary Leaders’ Meeting on Afghanistan. I am grateful to the leadership of Prime Minister Draghi who has helped rally our commitment to solidarity and cooperation for the sake of stability and peace in Afghanistan.

Last August when Afghanistan was in peril, the humanitarian spirit that transcends nationality was demonstrated. The close cooperation of G20 members and the international community made it possible to evacuate people in Afghanistan to safe places.

There were many local employees in Afghanistan who had assisted the activities of the Korean Government. We could also, in close coordination with the United States and many other countries, dispatch military aircraft and bring 391 Afghans safely to Korea – local Afghan employees as well as their spouses, children and parents. Once more, I would like to extend my gratitude to Your Excellencies. 

Your Excellencies,

At the forefront of the international community's efforts, the G20 has played a pivotal role in responding to global challenges. It should also take the initiative in stabilizing Afghanistan.

The international community looks forward to the establishment of an inclusive and representative new Afghan government. Korea also hopes that Afghanistan will be rebuilt peacefully and that the new government will respect international norms and universal values. Above all, humanitarian support is urgently needed. Preparations should be made in relation to the destruction of residences, COVID-19 and famine, and in particular, a systematic support system should be established to protect the human rights of the vulnerable, including women and children.

Over the past 20 years, Korea has provided about US$1billion worth of grants and financial support for the restoration of people’s livelihoods and reconstruction in Afghanistan. In addition, we have been operating hospitals and vocational training centers. Korea will continue to actively participate in the international community’s aid for Afghanistan.

We have to induce the Taliban to make gradual policy changes in a bid to fundamentally solve the Afghan issue. It is necessary for the new Afghan government to make proactive efforts to listen intently to the voices of the international community.

In addition to humanitarian aid, the international community has to provide essential assistance for the country’s social reconstruction to increase the possibility of improvement. I’d like to see counter-terrorism cooperation in Afghanistan strengthen to stop the spread of drug and arms trafficking and to prevent the country from becoming a breeding ground of international terrorism.

I hope that today’s Extraordinary Leaders’ Meeting enables G20 members, countries connected to Afghanistan and international organizations to join forces and contribute to that nation’s stability. 

Thank you.