World News – African Union – The Veterans Affairs Summit held in Korea

A Ministerial Summit on Veterans Affairs was held in the Republic of Korea this week. Ministers with veteran responsibilities were invited from all 22 nations that were part of the United Nations forces during the Korean War (1950-1953).

The summit celebrated the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of war. This included an opportunity to honor those who participated, by visiting the United Nations cemetery in Busan. Thirty-four New Zealanders killed in the conflict in Busan are buried.

Due to the epidemic, many ministers were unable to travel to Korea, and were instead represented by members of their diplomatic missions in Seoul. New Zealand was represented by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the New Zealand Embassy.

New Zealand’s newly appointed Veterans Minister Hon Mika and Haiti was happy to have the opportunity to sign on behalf of New Zealand a statement issued after the summit. The statement emphasized the continued cooperation in veterans affairs between the Republic of Korea and countries that were part of the United Nations forces. .

The minister said, « These relations have been close and cooperative for many years. ». “I am the daughter of a veteran warrior who fought in Korea, and I saw for myself the strong ties that were forged between our two countries at that time.. It was interesting for me to know that one of my first duties as a secretary for veterans was to sign a document agreeing that we will continue to build on our relationship, and work together to support and honor those who have served in this conflict..

It is estimated that about 500 of the approximately 6,000 New Zealanders who served during the Korean War are still alive. All of them are eligible to receive support and services from Veterans Affairs.

South Korea, the Korean War, New Zealand