- Signed MOU between Arctic research institutes of both countries  -

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister MOON, Seong-Hyeok) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA; Minister Kang Kyung-wha) announced that the signing ceremony (renewing and Annex exchanging included) had been held for MOU on cooperation between Korean and Norwegian Arctic research institutes in Oslo, Norway on June 12, 2019, on the occasion of the bilateral summit.   

While attended by Ambassador Park Heong-kyung for Arctic Affairs and Director Bjørn Midthun of Section for the High North, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, four MOU documents were signed at the ceremony by President Yang Chang-ho of Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) and Vice President Hong Jong-kuk of Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) with respective Norwegian signees from the Arctic research institutes. 
  
Both countries plan to leverage the signed MOU to promote science and research projects on Arctic-related areas, while providing more opportunities for the cooperation including seminars, personal exchange and joint programs to respond to Arctic-related issues.
 
Norway has come to the front in Arctic matters, as they are a member of the Arctic Council and Arctic Economic Council; has the Indigenous People’s Secretariat; and hosted the Arctic Frontiers, a leading international conference on the Arctic issues. As such, the country has a great potential for the cooperation with Korea. No doubt this MOU event will enhance the level of contribution of Korea to Arctic science & research and strengthen cooperative relations with countries within the Arctic Circle.    
 
Deputy Minister Choi Joon-wook of Marine Policy Office stated that “Signing the MOUs meaningfully serves as the platform strengthened for joint research work on the Arctic. I look forward to expanding cooperative areas between both countries to devote themselves to sustainable development of the Arctic.”   

Both countries highly appreciated the summit to pave a way to expand and strengthen the cooperation on the Arctic issues, while committed to promoting sustainable development of the cooperation through the international events including the Korea-Norway Arctic Consultation, Arctic Partnership Week and Arctic Frontiers.