FM Cho calls for diplomacy that integrates economy, security amid challenges

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said Friday that he will seek to reinforce South Korea's diplomacy that puts security and economy together to address complex challenges like the strategic competition between the United States and China. Cho made the remarks as he took office as the country's top diplomat, pointing out that it is becoming increasingly difficult to handle economy and security as two separate areas at a time of "a great geopolitical transition." "The confrontation between liberal and authoritarian countries is deepening day by day, making it difficult for diplomacy to operate with the economy and security being separate, and the world has become structurally difficult to pursue practical interests while excluding values," Cho said in the inauguration speech. "I intend to strengthen our diplomatic capabilities to converge on economy and security, and create a work system and culture to make it possible," he said. Cho said he will work to promote South Korea's diplomatic status as a significant middle power so as to realize its push to join the envisioned expanded version of the Group of Seven (G7) developed countries. "Our country is already recognized as an advanced country," Cho said. "I hope to solidify the national status as a potential 'G7 Plus' candidate in the near future, or higher, during my term in office," he added. Source: Yonhap News Agency