The 18th Jeju Forum, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, co-hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the International Peace Foundation, and the East Asia Foundation, and organized by the Jeju Peace Institute (JPI), was held at the Jeju International Convention Center(ICC) from May 31 to June 2. Various sessions were held under the theme of ‘Working Together for Sustainable Peace and Prosperity in the Indo-Pacific’, and Korea-Arab Society (KAS) co-hosted the 'Arab Ambassador Round Table' session with the Jeju Peace Institute(JPI).

Arab Diplomatic Corps from 11 countries, including the Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps- Ambassador of Morocco, and other Ambassadors including the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, and Sudan, as well as Charge d’Affaries a.i. of Tunisia and Iraq visited Jeju Island and attended the Forum. At the Roundtable, participants explored how changes of political situation in the Middle East will impact the global peace and discussed the role of major countries in the region in this process.

Ambassador of the UAE presented on the topic of “the UAE’s leading efforts in humanitarian sector in recent crisis in the region: Sudan, Turkey, and Syria,” and showed an exemplary case of being among the world’s top 10 countries, making it an active humanitarian country. Ambassador of Algeria spoke on the theme of “Arab's common position on peace in the Middle East,” and mentioned how Arab countries are making efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue for peace in the Middle East. Ambassador of Jordan made a presentation on “Jordan’s role in peace and prosperity in the Middle East,” and regarding the Palestinian-Israel conflict, and emphasized humanitarian values as the Jordanian government is taking the lead in the refugee issue. Lastly, former Korean Ambassador to Iran∙Iraq∙Afghanistan, talked about future of Korea and the Middle East Cooperation in the age of Détente in the Middle East. He said that Korea and the Middle East will strengthen cooperation to become true partners for each other through the second Middle East boom.

In addition, a special session was hosted by JPI “From Jeju to ASEAN and Arab: Exploring Opportunities for Trade and Cultural Exchange”, where Arab and ASEAN diplomatic corps and Jeju companies participated to build network and to strengthen economic cooperation between Jeju, Arab countries and ASEAN.

Also a separate meeting was held between the Governor of Jeju and the Arab Diplomatic Corps and opinions were shared for the development of both regions. Ambassador of Morocco said that just as Arab countries have pioneered the future in their own way, Jeju Island has taken the same path apart from the mainland, and stated that he looks forward to strengthen cooperation with Jeju, such as sister city ties between Arab and Jeju cities, signing business agreements, and opening direct flights.