Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong on Feb. 22 holds talks with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay at the organization’s headquarters in Paris. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
By Jung Joo-ri and Yoon Sojung
Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong on Feb. 22 told UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay of Korea’s strong concern over Japan’s bid to designate mines on Sado Island as UNESCO World Heritage.
In their meeting at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, Minister Chung stressed that the mines were another site where Koreans were forced to work. He asked for the director-general’s “special attention” and cooperation to ensure that Japan faithfully implements follow-up measures for the Industrial Heritage Information Centre in Tokyo, a facility related to the Meiji Industrial Revolution era that was designated World Heritage in 2015.
Director-General Azoulay said she is well aware of Korea’s concern over the mines, adding that she will continue monitoring and working on such measures related to the Tokyo center.
In their 40-minute talks, both officials also discussed strengthening cooperation between Korea and UNESCO.
Minister Chung said Seoul from this year will make a voluntary contribution of USD 5.5 million over the next three years to UNESCO’s reconstruction project in Mosul, Iraq. He also asked for the organization’s continued interest and role in boosting inter-Korean cooperation and peace on the Korean Peninsula such as a joint bid by both Koreas to get the Demilitarized Zone listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
The director-general said UNESCO will continue striving to enhance inter-Korean cooperation.
etoilejr@korea.kr
