Policy paper

UK-Republic of Korea joint statement: shared values, ever growing partnership

Published 21 August 2019

1. The Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom reaffirm our strong commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, good governance, human rights, including gender equality, and fundamental freedoms, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant international human rights instruments. We confirm our attachment to the Charter of the United Nations and our support for the shared values expressed therein.

2. The Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom consider the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of delivery, both to state and non-state actors, as one of the most serious threats to international stability and security. We therefore agree to continue cooperating in and contributing towards countering the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

3. We commit to continue working closely with each other and with regional and international partners to achieve concrete progress on complete denuclearisation and the establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula and to implement faithfully relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

4. We reaffirm our commitment to take measures against the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, the financing of terrorism, as well as threats posed by hostile state actors, organised crime and corruption, whilst also building on our existing law enforcement cooperation and cooperation to combat terrorism. We will continue to develop, as appropriate, judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters, including through the Conventions of the Hague Conference on Private International Law in the field of international legal cooperation and litigation as well as the protection of children.

5. The Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom demonstrate our joint commitment to the promotion of the benefits of trade liberalisation and investment under the global rules-based trading system. In this context, we welcome the forthcoming signature of the free trade agreement between our two countries. This agreement replicates the effects of the existing EU – Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement to ensure continuity in the trading relationship between the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom when the United Kingdom ceases to be bound by that agreement.

6. We will continue to support global cooperation on sustainable development. We are firmly committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, and to our commitments under it. We agree to conserve and manage natural resources in a sustainable manner to ensure the sustainability of our environment for future generations.

7. Mindful of the comprehensive nature of our relationship, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom further commit to strengthening our partnership in political, economic, social and cultural fields. This includes people-to-people ties and collaboration on research and innovation to address the challenges that our modern economies and societies face.

8. The Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom restate our longstanding commitment to maximise our cooperation and exchange of views in international fora, including the UN, G20, WTO, ILO and OECD. We reaffirm the importance of our bilateral structures to advance our shared interests and values, including through our annual Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue and other Minister-level dialogues.