In a speech delivered on Tuesday, South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug called on nations in the Asia-Pacific region to promote solidarity and collaboration in order to address a number of global concerns, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate catastrophe.

His words came during the opening ceremony of the 29th annual conference of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, which began on Monday and will last for three days till Wednesday. The event, which was held under the subject "The Role of Parliaments in Strengthening Resilience in the Post-COVID-19 Era," was attended by representatives from 27 member countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, Vietnam, and the United States.

As Park stated in his comments to kick off the conference, "No country is safe until every country is safe." In order to handle not just the climate catastrophe, but also the instability in regional security and economy generated by confrontations and conflicts, these ideals must be upheld. Above all, we must increase solidarity and collaboration among nations in the area when it comes to vaccine development."

A lack of equal vaccination distribution, he explained, would allow the virus to continue its spread within the community.

COVID-19, in conjunction with the changes, brought about by the "fourth industrial revolution" and digital innovation, Park expressed fear that society would become even more split as a result of the conference.

"In reality, vulnerable populations including as women, the elderly, and refugees have suffered the most as a result of the epidemic," he stated. "I am hopeful that the member nations of the APPF would take the initiative in fostering an inclusive recovery that includes the most vulnerable and disadvantaged elements of our society," she says.

The Korean government's efforts to formally declare an end to the 1950-53 Korean War, involving either three parties — the two Koreas and the United States — or four parties (including China), were also discussed, with the member countries being urged to lend their support to the Korean government's efforts. Park also declared his willingness to meet with his North Korean counterpart "at any time, anyplace, and without any circumstances," according to the press.

"Dialogue is the beginning point on the road to peace." says the author. He stated that he "made public my intention to meet with the head of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly at any time, anyplace, and without any circumstances" in order to contribute to the stability of the Korean Peninsula, Asia, and the Pacific."