Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, front row center, poses with some 60 ambassadors to South Korea and government officials during the 2024 Korea National Diplomatic Academy Meets Ambassadors event in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul called on ambassadors from various countries for greater understanding and support for South Korea's foreign policies, Friday, underscoring the importance of diplomatic dialogue and collaboration in navigating global challenges.

He made the comments in his address given to the 2024 Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) Meets Ambassadors event in Seoul, hosted by the KNDA for the first time. Approximately 60 ambassadors to South Korea and other dignitaries including Park Cheol-hee, the chancellor of the KNDA, attended the event.

"There really is no overstating the importance of making sure that resident diplomats are well-informed about our foreign policy priorities. You play a vital role in strengthening mutual understanding and the bonds of friendship between Korea and the countries you represent," Cho said.

"So, it's a privilege for me to kick off the first 2024 KNDA Meets Ambassadors series and provide an overview of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's foreign policy priorities."

Cho's address highlighted the country's commitment to playing an active role in shaping the international order during a period of geopolitical and geoeconomic transition.

Emphasizing the vision of of the country as a global pivotal state, he outlined key priorities across various diplomatic fronts.

The minister also underscored the importance of strengthening the rules-based international order, advocating for initiatives such as cooperation through NATO for joint threat response, a proactive role in the U.N. Security Council and strategic communication for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Addressing the Korean Peninsula issue, Cho outlined South Korea's stance on North Korean denuclearization, emphasizing a multifaceted approach that includes bold initiatives, dialogue and human rights considerations. He also reiterated Seoul's commitment to maintaining the regime of sanctions against Pyongyang while pursuing a vision of a unified Korean Peninsula.

On the economic front, the minister stressed the importance of enhancing economic security through initiatives such as building international solidarity infrastructure, participating in the establishment of digital and AI norms and supporting the global expansion of South Korean small and venture enterprises.