Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
INTERVIEW Nordic countries can mediate North Korea talks
From left, Finnish Ambassador Eero Suominen, Norwegian Ambassador Frode Solberg and Swedish Ambassador Jakob Hallgren participate in a group interview with The Korea Times at the Swedish Embassy in Seoul. / Courtesy of Embassy of Sweden
By Yi Whan-woo
By Yi Whan-woo
Trust and transparency are key values characteristic of Nordic countries as they propel forward, focusing on welfare benefits, political stability and a safety net for startups.
This Nordic model can be expanded to tackle stalled denuclearization dialogue on the Korean Peninsula and President Moon Jae-in can witness its potential when he visits Finland, Norway and Sweden, according to the three countries' ambassadors to Seoul.
The ambassadors ― Eero Suominen of Finland, Frode Solberg of Norway and Jakob Hallgren of Sweden ― sat together with The Korea Times recently before Moon's three-nation trip from June 9 to 16.
Moon's eight-day state visit aims at learning from the Nordic experience and helping boost his administration's three priority goals ― innovative growth, peace and inclusivity.
For Norway and Sweden, the trip also commemorates the 60th anniversaries of both their diplomatic relations with South Korea.
“We're separate countries but we have so much in common. Our countries are characterized by trust and that's a key element to the way forward,” Hallgren said during the joint interview at his embassy. “If we can somehow find a way it will be inspirational when it comes to the trust-building process (on the peninsula).”
He underlined Sweden was the first Western country to open an embassy in Pyongyang after the 1950-53 Korean War.
This led to Sweden's presence in both Koreas as well as Panmunjeom as a member of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC).
“We are not a geopolitical or strategic actor. And we do not represent a threat,” Hallgren said.
Suominen called the three countries “professionals in building trust in all areas.”
Solberg backed Suominen by referring to the latest rounds of talks between representatives of Venezuela's government and its opposition in Oslo, Norway, to help resolve their conflict.
“We have experience and climate for dialogue. We will try to offer support to help the way forward (for the peninsula),” Solberg said.
The envoys urged to be “pro-dialogue” over denuclearization issues, while underscoring the sanctions on Pyongyang.
Suominen said being reasonable and pragmatic “makes us a good broker,” adding “it's critical to understand political reality around the world.”
Finland, Norway and Sweden have balanced economy and security in accordance with their respective geopolitical situations.
For instance, Norway is the only NATO member and also the only non-EU member among the three.
But the three have had their respective strategies to cope with the Ukraine crisis, EU sanctions on Moscow and the NATO-Russia confrontation.
The envoys said South Korea may take Nordic diplomacy into account, when looking for a way out for Seoul caught in the crossfire of the U.S.-China row over trade and security.
“Small countries can still play an important role in securing order-based international society by being pro-dialogue and actively engaged,” Solberg said. “Trying to be open, to be positive and to maintain dialogue regardless of political geometry or structure you belong is always something that has value.”
Suominen pointed out both Finland and Sweden are partners of NATO although not member nations.
“We chose neutrality and it worked quite well. Opinions and values can be different, but at the same time, you are able to find proper balance in very practical ways,” he said.
Hallgren agreed, saying, “It's important you choose your own security arrangement.”
Moon will start his Nordic visit with Finland (June 9 to 11), and stop by Norway (June 11 to 13) and Sweden (June 13 to 15), before returning home on June 16.
The South Korean delegation consists of cabinet members and business representatives. First lady Kim Jung-sook will join the trip, too.
The agenda to be discussed will vary by country, although they are all related to broader themes such as welfare, job creation, green energy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Finland visit will center on startups and how the two countries can enhance cooperation accordingly.
Suominen introduced his government's Talent Boost program aimed at recruiting international workers, including IT experts, and connecting them with startups and other relevant employers. Among the targeted countries are South Korea, India and Russia.
In Norway, the delegation will discuss ways to build onto 60 years of diplomatic relations on renewable energy, the marine sector and Arctic shipping routes.
Solberg referred to offshore wind as a prospective field in which to enhance cooperation.
Science, technology, innovation and cooperative labor-management are topics to be discussed in Sweden, on top of the 60th anniversary commemoration.