Good afternoon. It’s a pleasure to see you all.

As already, and extensively, covered by many press reports, the Republic of Korea was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2013-2014 term at the UN Headquarters in New York at 02:00 a.m., October 19, Korea Standard Time.

It marks the second time for the ROK to win a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council since its 1996-1997 term.

To be more specific, the ROK won 149 out of the 192 legal votes. As you may be aware, candidate countries must gather a 2/3 support of all UN member states in order to be elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. The ROK won far more votes than needed for being elected. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the countries that rendered support to us with trust. In addition, we will continue to develop cooperative ties with those countries that competed with us.

I believe that the ROK’s latest achievement is attributable to the international community’s recognition of the country’s contribution and role in world peace and security. The ROK’s return to the Security Council will help the government in furthering its vision of “Global Korea”, as it has been stepping up its contribution to the international community commensurate with its enhanced international stature.

To give you a little more detail of the government’s efforts to join the UN Security Council, after declaring its candidacy in 2007, the ROK government put its entire overseas diplomatic missions into full gear and sent special envoys abroad. I, on my part, met with Foreign Ministers of some 40 countries on the sidelines of the latest UN General Assembly session. Likewise, the President met with leaders of other countries on the sidelines of each and every multilateral summit to request their support for our UN bid.

Now having a seat on the Security Council, the ROK will be able to contribute to assuring peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and take a leading part in resolving a variety of global security issues. And such contributions will likely enhance the ROK’s international standing.

There are some unique advantages or situations that only the ROK seems to have or be subjected to. Based on such unique advantages and experiences, we will play a contributive role in the UNSC.

Under the UN Charter, the UN Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining world peace and security. As such, it is the premier organ to discuss and address issues critical to world peace and stability, and various regional and nonproliferation-related issues including the North Korean nuclear weapons development. It also takes measures as necessary.

During its second-term on the Security Council, the ROK intends to take an active part in resolving issues related to the Korea Peninsula as well as world peace and security. And, it is determined to do so with a resolute sense of mission and responsibility, fully respecting the UN Charter and other international norms as well as universal values of humanity.

The ROK, which acceded to the UN 21 years ago in 1991, was elected to the presidency of the General Assembly in 2001. In addition, as you are all aware, Ban Ki-moon is currently serving as UN Secretary-General.

Being mindful of its elevated status in the world, the ROK will do its best to contribute to the international community as its responsible member. Thank you.