FOREIGN Ministers from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and South Korea concluded their sixth biennial meeting in Seoul, reaffirming a shared commitment to building a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous Blue Pacific.
This year’s summit marked the first time all Forum members participated, highlighting unity and solidarity across the Pacific region.
Co-chaired by Korea’s Foreign Minister Hyun Cho and Solomon Islands’ Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka, the gathering drew high-level representatives, including Tonga’s Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, the President of New Caledonia, Niue’s Prime Minister, and Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister.
A joint statement welcomed Korea’s ongoing support for the Pacific’s 2050 Strategy and strengthened collaboration on inclusive development, trade, and regional security.
Korea also announced plans to contribute to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) next year, further supporting climate adaptation and disaster response.
Climate leadership was a key focus, with ministers highlighting the urgency of global action and praising Korea’s new 2035 climate targets. The group also applauded Korea’s efforts to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and enhance sustainable ocean governance.
Ministers agreed to deepen cultural ties and cooperation in innovation, digital connectivity, and trade. They also welcomed Korea’s plan to co-host the 2028 UN Ocean Conference with Chile, which would offer a platform to amplify Pacific leadership on global ocean issues.
The Korea–Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, first convened in 2011, will next be held in 2027.