SEOUL ― The Sherpa Meeting for the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit was held in New Delhi, India, on January 16th to 17th for discussion on preparations for the Seoul event, including the text of the Seoul Communique; the Summit agenda; and protocols.
The Republic of Korea and the US co-presided over the Meeting attended by the Sherpas of some 50 countries and four international organizations, including MOFAT’s Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs Kim Bong-hyun. Shortly before the Meeting, the ROK, as the chair of the Summit, had extended invitation to three additional countries, namely, Denmark, Lithuania and Azerbaijan, to the Seoul Summit.
With regard to the Seoul Communiqué, the participating countries, after in-depth discussions, reached agreement on the majority of the controversial matters, such as minimizing highly enriched uranium. They agreed to finalize the text during the time left until the Summit in preparation of its formal adoption at the Seoul event. The Seoul Communiqué is expected to consist of a comprehensive action plan aimed at preventing nuclear and radioactive terrorism, including efforts to minimize highly enriched uranium, plutonium and other nuclear materials; safe management of nuclear and radioactive materials; protection of nuclear facilities; prevention of illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials; nexus between nuclear security and safety; nuclear detection, protection of sensitive nuclear information and promotion of nuclear security culture; promotion of the universality of key nuclear security instruments; and increased activities by the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international organizations, as well as by multilateral consultative mechanisms related to nuclear security.
The ROK delegation explained the ongoing preparations for the Seoul Summit, including its schedule, program, agenda, protocols and other administrative matters, and the venue lay-out; and requested participating countries’ active contribution to making the Seoul Summit a success, such as through the attendance of their leaders. Also, the organizing committees of the two parallel events to the Summit -- the Seoul Nuclear Industry Summit and the Seoul Nuclear Security Symposium -- gave a briefing on the events.
The Sherpas plan to meet again in Seoul right before the Summit for final preparations for the event.
