1. The second Republic of Korea-United States Energy Security Dialogue took place in Seoul on January 23, with Director-General for Global Economic Affairs Lee Seong-ho of the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Mary Warlick at the US Department of State's Bureau of Energy Resources leading their respective delegations.

◦ The ROK delegation was composed of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. The US side included officials of the Department of State and other relevant government agencies.

2. In the meeting, the two sides reviewed global energy trends and discussed the importance of energy security for economic growth and prosperity. They also explored the possibility of bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

- With regard to shale gas, the ROK side brought attention to the ROK’s decision made in August 2014 to import shale gas from the US for the first time ever. The two sides agreed on the great potential for cooperation on shale and other types of natural gas between the two countries and in the international community.

- In addition, the US delegation asked for the ROK’s participation in the multilateral initiative designed to increase the use of clean energy and to guarantee developing countries’ access to energy. The ROK side touched on its efforts to step up energy cooperation in the region, such as under the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative.

3. The two sides noted with appreciation that the meeting served as a good opportunity for the diplomatic authorities of the two countries to enhance mutual understanding on each other’s energy policies and strategies, and to seek out new, potential areas for cooperation. They agreed to hold the meeting on a regular basis. 


               Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation