Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter |
South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol hosted the NATO Asia-Pacific Partners Summit AP4 includes Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand in Lithuania on Wednesday July 12,2023.
AP4 was attended by the South Korean President Yoon, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanage, and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
The AP4 summit was held for the second time following the AP4 Summit on the occasion of the NATO Summit (Madrid) in June 29 last year.
Heads of state commended the strengthening of mutual communication and cooperation between Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, since the first AP4 Summit last year for the purpose of strengthening freedom, peace, prosperity and a norm-based international order in the In-Tae region.
By hosting AP4 summit, Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol condemned North Korea's launch of an inter continental ballistic missile (ICBM) on the 12th (local time) and stressed, "North Korea's provocations are a frontal challenge to peace and norms-based order in the Asia-Pacific region and the world that we have to respond collectively.”
"We believe that AP4 should establish a strong collective security posture in solidarity with NATO."
He then emphasized that with this opportunity, "the framework of cooperation with NATO will be improved and AP4 will play a leading role in regional security in the Intae region."
The leaders of four countries confirmed their common understanding and commitment to solidarity on international security challenges, such as the Ukraine and North Korea issues.
In particular, the leaders of the four countries condemned North Korea's ICBM launch early in the morning and agreed to sternly respond to these provocations that threaten regional peace and global security.
In addition, the four countries agreed to continue unwavering support for Ukraine.
Furthermore, the AP4 Leaders agreed to closely link NATO and Indian-Pacific cooperation, strengthening cooperation with Pacific Island States, building resilient and diversified supply chains, and cybersecurity cooperation.
