This summit holds tremendous significance as it marks President Yoon Suk Yeol's first multilateral summit since assuming office and serves as the first official meeting between Korea and the Pacific Island nations.

Invitations have been extended to all 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), an intergovernmental organization established in 1971 to promote collaboration among island nations in the region. Since becoming the Post-Forum Dialogue partner in 1995, Korea has been actively supporting Pacific Island nations in various areas, including healthcare, climate change, trade, and tourism.

The Korea-Pacific Islands Summit will witness President Yoon and participating leaders engaging in substantive discussions aimed at expanding practical cooperation and strengthening collaboration on the international stage. The summit's agenda comprises a summit meeting on the first day, followed by an official dinner hosted by President Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee. On the second day, the leaders will journey to Busan, a bustling port city in the southeast, to participate in a range of side events. Concurrently, the first lady will organize programs for the spouses of the attending leaders.

This significant summit underscores Korea's unwavering commitment to implementing Indo-Pacific strategies at the highest level, elevating its consultative mechanism with Pacific Island nations as their strategic importance continues to grow exponentially. Alongside addressing critical issues such as climate change and disaster response, the summit aims to garner enhanced international support for Busan's bid to host the esteemed World Expo 2030.

Anticipation is high that the Korea-Pacific Islands Summit will foster closer ties, promote cooperation, and provide unwavering support for the Pacific Island nations. Moreover, this summit will aptly showcase Korea's steadfast dedication to the Indo-Pacific region and global collaboration, further solidifying its role on the international stage. (ILKHA)