Pacific Islands and South Korea have taken significant steps to strengthen their collaboration on various pressing issues, including climate action, ocean conservation, development finance, and security. This was established during the 6th Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on December 9, 2025, in Seoul. Co-chaired by South Korea’s Foreign Minister and Peter Shanel Agovaka, the Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister for the Solomon Islands, the meeting marked an important moment as it brought together all members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) for the first time, including the PIF Secretary General.
The meeting operated under the theme “Partnership for a Resilient, Peaceful, and Prosperous Pacific,” emphasizing Korea’s commitment to enhancing its engagement with Pacific nations and adhering to the principles of the One Blue Pacific initiative. Participants acknowledged that relations between Korea and the Pacific Islands reached summit-level collaboration in 2023, with a strong emphasis on Korea’s continued support for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which aims to align development efforts with regional priorities.
Pacific ministers expressed their appreciation for South Korea’s Official Development Assistance, which aims to meet the specific needs of the region in accordance with the 2030 Agenda. Notably, Korea’s contributions toward capacity building in sectors such as fisheries, digital technology, and public health were highlighted.
The collective commitment to climate action was a central discussion point, particularly in light of the unique risks posed to Pacific Small Island Developing States. Ministers advocated for the broader application of the UN Multidimensional Vulnerability Index as a means to facilitate access to vital development finance and concessional funding.
Additionally, the meeting underscored Korea’s ongoing contributions to the ROK–PIF Cooperation Fund and anticipated the rollout of five significant projects focusing on areas such as climate prediction services, marine spatial planning, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing monitoring, and the development of a fisheries research vessel.
Ministers welcomed Korea’s announcements regarding its climate initiatives, including its commitment to addressing sea-level rise and early warning systems, as well as its 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution and participation in the Powering Past Coal Alliance. The Pacific Resilience Facility was supported as a crucial mechanism to address climate finance gaps, with a commitment from Korea to contribute, subject to domestic approvals.
The collaboration extended to ocean and fisheries management, with acknowledgment of Korea’s proactive role within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and its efforts to combat illegal fishing. Concerns over marine pollution, particularly plastics and radioactive waste, were also raised, emphasizing the necessity for transparency and consultation in these matters.
During the meeting, ministers reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people exchanges and regional security, noting the growing challenge of transnational crime, particularly concerning synthetic drugs in the region. Support for law enforcement cooperation and a rules-based international system was reiterated, alongside a request for Pacific backing for Korea’s candidature to the International Court of Justice in 2026.
The ministers agreed to continue hosting the Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and accompanying Senior Officials’ Meetings every two years, expressing gratitude to South Korea for hosting this pivotal sixth gathering. This meeting signifies a robust pathway forward for enduring cooperation that is vital for addressing regional challenges and fostering prosperity in the Pacific Islands.
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