On 17 November 2021, the GCSP and the Sejong Institute in Seoul held a virtual dialogue seminar on the Korean Peninsula peace process and cooperation with Europe. The talks took place in a very open and friendly manner, in the presence of several experts, led by Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Director of the GCSP, and Dr Lee Sang Hyun, President of the Sejong Institute in Seoul.

During the seminar, both parties explored the various aspects of the current stalemate linked to the peace process and the ways to enhance it in the current circumstances. Throughout the very substantial and insightful exchanges, the two institutions agreed that the status quo is untenable, against a backdrop of high tensions and an increasing arms race. They particularly agreed on the importance of dialogue and the necessity to resolve the conflict by peaceful means, calling the Parties to restart negotiations as a matter of urgency and without pre-conditions.

Europe and Switzerland have a direct interest in the peaceful resolution of the conflict and have a role to play, even if they are not the primary actors in the Korean political dynamics. Both Ambassador Greminger and Dr Lee agreed to pursue and deepen the dialogue between our institutions in 2022.