Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

President Yoon addressed the G20 Summit.

Reaffirmed commitment to upholding a rules-based international order.

Called for global action to confront this issue.

Highlighted North Korea’s troop dispatch to Russia in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Pledged active efforts to combat poverty in developing countries.

President Yoon Suk Yeol is pictured with world leaders and heads of international organizations at the 2024 G20 Rio de Janeiro Summit in Brazil on November 18 (local time).

President Yoon reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to upholding a rules-based international order as a global pivotal state alongside other major nations. He strongly called for an immediate end to the unlawful military alliance between North Korea and Russia, emphasizing the necessity of coordinated global efforts to address the issue.

Speaking during Session 1 of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 18 (local time), President Yoon stated, “We strongly demand the immediate suspension of the illegal military partnership between Russia and North Korea and urge G20 leaders to demonstrate their commitment and take concrete actions to preserve the rules-based international order.”

He further emphasized that “Economic growth in developing countries is achievable only when the rules-based international order is firmly upheld.” Referring to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, he remarked, “The outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war will serve as a critical test of the international community’s ability to prevent changes to the status quo through force and to safeguard peace and prosperity. The situation has escalated, with North Korea deploying a large number of troops to Russia.”

President Yoon also pledged that South Korea, as a G20 member, would lead efforts to support developing nations, drawing from its own experience of rising from the devastation of war to achieve significant development. He highlighted the importance of the G20’s launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (GAAHP), especially in light of the severe famine and poverty faced by many developing countries. He expressed South Korea's commitment as a founding member of the GAAHP to actively contributing to overcoming these global challenges.

Specifically addressing the food crisis in Africa, President Yoon announced that South Korea would provide additional humanitarian aid worth USD 10 million by the end of the year. He added that South Korea’s food aid through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) would increase significantly, from 50,000 tons in 2022 to 100,000 tons in 2023, and further to 150,000 tons in 2024. He noted, “We will strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships with newly industrialized countries and serve as a ‘bridge of prosperity’ connecting developing and advanced nations.”

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, President Yoon worked to strengthen solidarity among MIKTA members in addressing the illegal military collaboration between North Korea and Russia. MIKTA is a cross-regional coalition comprising Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey, and Australia. This marks the third meeting of MIKTA leaders since 2022.

By Su-Yeol, Maeng <guns13@dema.mil.kr >

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