1.The Republic of Korea became a permanent observer to the Arctic Council with the unanimous support of the Council members at its Eighth Ministerial Meeting held in Kiruna, Sweden, on May 15.

○ Six countries, including the ROK, China, Japan and India, and eight intergovernmental or international organizations and groups such as the EU and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) had applied for permanent observer status. The eight member states of the Arctic Council – the US, Russia, Norway, Denmark, Canada, Sweden, Finland and Iceland – granted the status to the ROK after reviewing the country’s potential to promote the Arctic interests and the pertinent expertise as well as its contribution to internationalcooperation in the Arctic region.

2. The permanent observer status of the Arctic Council will entitle the ROK to take part in a wider range of activities related to Arctic issues. The ROK’s status in the Arctic Council is expected to serve as an opportunity to promote its role and contribution to the issues related to opening up Arctic routes, protecting the Arctic environment, sustainable development of the region, vitalizing Arctic economy and fighting climate change.

○ With the melting of the Arctic ice accelerating, countries in the Arctic region are moving to strengthen regulations on the development of Arctic routes and resources. The ROK’s presence in the Arctic Council as a permanent observer is particularly meaningful under such circumstances, as it will facilitate the country’s participation in opening up Arctic routes and help expand its role in scientific studies and research on the region aimed to counter climate change. The permanent observer status to the Arctic Council will also provide a solid foundation for the ROK’s long-term contribution to sustainable development of the Arctic region.

3. "Participation in the development of Arctic routes by achieving a permanent observer status to the Arctic Council" is one of the Park Geun-hye government’s key policy tasks. The Arctic Council observership also marks the first step forward toward the diplomatic goal of expanding cooperation with Eurasia. As such, gaining the observer status in the Arctic Council will help the Park Geun-hye government fully implement its policy tasks going forward. The government intends to continue seeking out and conducting projects in a variety of fields that bring tangible benefits to its people.

○ As an observer to the Arctic Council, the ROK government will work and collaborate with the arctic states. In addition, Korea will draw up a comprehensive Arctic strategy and take a more active part in accelerating international discussions on the development and preservation of the Arctic.

*unofficial translation