Page 232 - 2020 Defence White Paper

their unwavering support towards the ROK’s efforts to establish a peaceful Korean
Peninsula. In addition, the ROK Minister of National Defense and the US Secretary
of Defense made a joint announcement commemorating the 70th anniversary of
the Korean War, expressing their appreciation for the sacrifices and courage of the
soldiers and their f rm determination to preserve peace on the Korean Peninsula.
In May 2020, the ROK government distributed 1 million masks to veterans of UN
sending states as a small token of appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication
during the Korean War 70 years ago. The MND provided transport aircraft for quick
delivery of the masks to veterans, and the ROK military attachés delivered the masks
directly to veterans.

3. Reinforcing Multilateral Security Cooperation

The importance of multilateral cooperation in response to traditional and non-
traditional security threats is increasing; in particular, the need for international
cooperation in the process of responding to the global spread of COVID-19 in 2020
is becoming more important. Despite such environment, the ROK government

is striving to raise its stature in the international community through active
international cooperation, such as sharing the K-quarantine experience.
To reinforce multilateral security cooperation, the MND has been actively
participating in major multilateral security conferences in the region, including the
ADMM-Plus and the ASS, to encourage the international community’s support for
the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula. The SDD is also held every year
to strengthen the ROK-led multilateral security cooperation. In particular, the MND
and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will co-host the 2021 UN Peacekeeping
Ministerial Conference in April 2021. The meeting, which will be held for the first
time in Asia, will be the largest and highest-level conference on peacekeeping
attended by defense and foreign affairs ministers from more than 150 countries
around the world, where international cooperation on peacekeeping activities will be
discussed led by the ROK.
The major multilateral security meetings in the region the MND participates
are shown in [Chart 6-3]. In addition to the meetings stated below, starting in
2021, the MND will also be participating in the Munich Security Conference, an
offshore multilateral security consultative meeting, to further expand multilateral
cooperation.

2020 Defense White Paper