South Korea, Japan Discuss Arctic Cooperation, Stress Importance of China-Japan-Korea Collaboration

South Korea has emphasized the importance of cooperation among China, Japan and South Korea in the Arctic, as officials and researchers met in Japan to discuss the region’s future.

Lee Tae-woo, Seoul’s representative for polar affairs, attended the 12th meeting of the North Pacific Arctic Research Community, or NPARC, in Monbetsu, Hokkaido, from the 2nd through the 4th. He delivered opening remarks and held talks with Katsuhiko Takahashi, Japan’s ambassador for Arctic affairs, on major Arctic issues and ways to expand bilateral cooperation.

NPARC brings together major Arctic research institutes and universities from South Korea, China and Japan. The three countries have held the meeting on a rotating basis each year since 2014.

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The importance of cooperation among China, Japan and South Korea in the Arctic

In his remarks, Lee said cooperation among the three countries had become important amid climate change and geopolitical shifts. He said the South Korean government seeks a peaceful, sustainable and open Arctic and would contribute actively to cooperation based on international norms.

The meeting also covered Arctic cooperation by non-Arctic countries and possible areas for future trilateral work. Participants exchanged views on Arctic policy, natural sciences, the Northern Sea Route and Indigenous participation. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said it would continue contributing to international efforts for peace and sustainable development in the Arctic as a responsible observer to the Arctic Council.

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We seek a peaceful, sustainable and open Arctic and will actively contribute to cooperation based on international norms.