South Korean Observer Joins Trump-Launched ‘Board of Peace’ as Special Envoy Kim Yong-hyun Dispatched

[Financial News] The first meeting of the Board of Peace launched by U.S. President Donald Trump was attended by Kim Yong-hyun, serving as South Korea’s representative and special envoy. The Board of Peace is an international body established by President Trump with the aim of resolving international conflicts and related issues.
President Lee Jae-myung was reportedly invited by President Trump to the first meeting of the Board of Peace. However, as President Lee did not attend, Special Envoy Kim took part on his behalf. He joined the meeting not as a presidential envoy, but in the capacity of a special envoy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Special Envoy Kim attended the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., on the 19th (local time) as the government’s representative. Kim is regarded as an expert on Middle East affairs and international conflicts, and he most recently served as South Korea’s ambassador to Egypt.
The inaugural meeting formally launched the Board of Peace’s mandate and discussed plans for reconstruction and peacebuilding in the Gaza Strip. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "We have supported President Trump’s leading efforts to promote peace in the Gaza Strip, and we will continue to participate in the international community’s efforts to advance peace and stability in the Middle East."
South Korea is not yet a full member of the Board of Peace and therefore does not have speaking rights. President Trump is said to have invited not only member states but also many non-member countries to the first meeting. Participants ranged from heads of state and government leaders to ministers, vice ministers, and ambassadors. South Korea attended as an observer, alongside non-member countries such as Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, and Switzerland. Trump’s Board of Peace is expected to secure around 5 billion dollars (over 7 trillion won) from participating countries for Gaza Strip reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.
South Korea is still considering whether to join Trump’s Board of Peace and provide financial support. An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted, "Financial contributions or in-kind assistance can also come from non-member countries," adding, "We are likely to decide on our contribution plans after the first meeting."


rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter