Korea and the international community have reconfirmed their common will to eradicate the extremist group known as ISIS.

On March 22, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se stressed that the Korean government will join the international community’s efforts to repel what’s called “a grave threat to world peace” -- terrorist attacks by the ISIS group -- at a meeting of foreign ministers that was part of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS, held in Washington, D.C.

Presided over by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the meeting brought together foreign ministers as well as high-ranking officials from a total of 65 nations to review and accelerate the campaign for the lasting defeat of ISIS. Participants adopted a joint statement that stressed the need to pursue public safety in Iraq and political transition in Syria.

The statement also focused on their commitment to prevent ISIS from dispersing its fighters, weapons or resources within Iraq, Syria and elsewhere. In addition, they reiterated their commitment to “an integrated, multidimensional and comprehensive approach to defeating ISIS and its global networks.”

“It’s crucial to continue support for stabilization and public safety in liberated communities within Iraq and Syria, and, also, to deter ISIS terrorists from traveling out of the countries,” said Minister Yun in his speech. He continued to mention the importance of stopping such extremists from getting their hands on weapons of mass destruction.



Following the meeting, the foreign minister held a series of talks with officials from the U.S. government, including Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, and Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Ed Royce. The talks focused on the reaffirmation of the Seoul-Washington alliance in terms of North Korean issues, as well as in terms of overall safety on the Korean Peninsula.

“The U.S. has been and will be with Korea, undoubtedly,” vowed Secretary Mattis as he emphasized the firm alliance between the two nations, as well as his country’s unwavering defense commitment to Seoul.

“It’s the true, enduring nature of our alliance that the two countries keep working together to pursue sustainable development of the alliance,” said the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The "Korean Interdiction and Modernization of Sanctions Act" was passed in the U.S. with bipartisan support, and it's a bill with unprecedentedly strong sanctions against the North, stronger than ever before. Minister Yun said of the bill that, “This move will help to further strengthen global sanctions and pressure on the regime.” He went on to say, “In that the act has introduced more diverse and effective sanctions, and, also, firmly drives the international participation in the efforts, this move means a lot.”

By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
jiae5853@korea.kr