Pacific Islands and South Korea have agreed to deepen cooperation on climate action, oceans, development finance and security following the 6th Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul.
The meeting on 09 December 2025, co-chaired by South Korea’s Foreign Minister and Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka, brought together all Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members for the first time, alongside the PIF Secretary General.
Ministers met under the theme “Partnership for a Resilient, Peaceful, and Prosperous Pacific.”
Ministers said the meeting reinforced Korea’s growing engagement with the Pacific and its respect for the One Blue Pacific principle, the Blue Pacific Principles for Dialogue and Engagement, and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
They noted that Korea–Pacific relations were elevated to summit level in 2023 and welcomed Korea’s continued support for the 2050 Strategy, including cooperation aligned with regional priorities and Pacific-led development.
Pacific ministers welcomed Korea’s Official Development Assistance and efforts to align aid with regional needs and the 2030 Agenda, including through KOICA offices in the region. Korea’s capacity-building support in fisheries, digital transformation and public health was also acknowledged.
Ministers reaffirmed their collective commitment to climate action, highlighting the disproportionate risks faced by Pacific Small Island Developing States. They supported wider adoption of the UN Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to guide access to development finance and concessional funding.
The meeting welcomed Korea’s continued contributions to the ROK–PIF Cooperation Fund and looked forward to the implementation of five major projects, including climate prediction services, marine spatial planning tools, IUU fishing monitoring, and the construction of a fisheries research vessel.
On climate and environment, ministers underscored the urgency of global action and welcomed Korea’s support through initiatives on sea-level rise, early warning systems, loss and damage, and climate finance. They also welcomed Korea’s announcement of its 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution and its joining of the Powering Past Coal Alliance.
Ministers supported the Pacific Resilience Facility as a key tool to address climate finance gaps and welcomed Korea’s intention to contribute, subject to domestic procedures.
They also backed the hosting of a Pre-COP31 in a Pacific island country and recognised Australia’s COP31 presidency as an opportunity to elevate Pacific voices.
On oceans and fisheries, ministers acknowledged Korea’s constructive role at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and its support for combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
They also raised concerns over marine pollution, including plastics and radioactive waste, and stressed the need for transparency and consultation.
The meeting reaffirmed cooperation on people-to-people exchanges, regional security, and efforts to counter transnational crime, particularly the growing threat of synthetic drugs in the Pacific.
Ministers also reaffirmed support for a rules-based international order, peaceful dispute resolution, and stronger law enforcement cooperation. Korea sought Pacific support for its candidature to the International Court of Justice in 2026 and outlined plans to co-host the UN Ocean Conference with Chile in 2028.
The ministers agreed to continue holding the Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Senior Officials’ Meeting on a biennial basis, thanking South Korea for hosting the sixth meeting in Seoul.
