Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul hosted a welcome dinner on November 22, 2024, for key participants of the Boao Forum for Asia Seoul Conference 2024. During the dinner, he exchanged views on international issues and ways to strengthen regional cooperation, while also introducing the efforts and plans of the Republic of Korea to realize its vision of becoming a Global Pivotal State. The dinner was attended by notable figures, including Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia Ban Ki-moon (former UN Secretary-General), Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia Zhang Jun (former Ambassador of China to the UN), former President of Slovenia Danilo Türk, former President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Vice Chairman of Yibin Wuliangye Group Zhang Yu, and various former leaders and influential figures from China’s political and business sectors.
Minister Cho emphasized the importance of the Indo-Pacific region, which has transformed into a center for global peace, security, and prosperity since the establishment of the Boao Forum for Asia in 2001. He highlighted the need for regional cooperation to address global challenges such as AI innovation and gender equality. He also shared the outcomes of the AI Seoul Summit hosted by Korea this year, and introduced Korea’s policies, including its active promotion of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2024-2025.
Minister Cho expressed Korea's commitment to contributing to the region's AI innovation, the inclusion of women and youth, and the strengthening of multilateralism under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow" during its tenure as APEC Chair in 2025. He also mentioned that the Republic of Korea would continue efforts to enhance regional cooperation through the first-ever ROK-Central Asia Summit to be held next year.
The dinner served as an opportunity to exchange views on global issues with former heads of state, ministers, and Boao Forum officials, who have rich experience and influence in the international community. It also marked an important moment for Korea to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation as a Global Pivotal State.