On Monday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that the outcome of the Ukraine war is a crucial test of the international community’s ability to prevent coercive attempts to alter the status quo and protect peace and prosperity.
During the first session of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Yoon addressed the first session, emphasizing that the economic growth of developing nations can only be achieved sustainably within a firmly established rules-based order.
Yoon highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that North Korea’s large-scale troop deployment to Russia has brought the Ukraine conflict to a critical juncture. He urged Russia and North Korea to cease their illegal military cooperation immediately. He appealed to G20 leaders to unite in their resolve and actions to defend the rules-based international order.
This message builds on Yoon’s remarks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, where he joined leaders from the U.S., China, and Japan in condemning the military alliance between North Korea and Russia.
At the G20 Summit, Yoon also announced South Korea’s expanded role in addressing global hunger and poverty. He revealed South Korea’s participation as a founding member of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (GAAHP), pledging $10 million in humanitarian aid to combat Africa’s food crisis. Yoon also committed to increasing food aid through the UN World Food Programme (WFP) by 150,000 tons by 2025.
“South Korea will strengthen partnerships with emerging economies and serve as a bridge for prosperity between developing and developed nations,” Yoon stated, highlighting the country’s efforts to foster inclusive global development.