South Korea's Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon asked Asian and Pacific leaders on Saturday to lend support for the implementation of last week's inter-Korean peace agreement, his office here said.
He made the remarks in his address at the 51st Asian Development Bank's annual meeting now underway in the Philippines.
"South and North Korea set a meaningful footstep for peace and co-prosperity of the Korean Peninsula through the inter-Korean summit," Kim said, citing last week's talks between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the truce village of Panmunjom.
As a result of the historic meeting, the leaders signed a joint declaration under which they agreed to pursue "complete denuclearization" of the Korean Peninsula and work toward a peace treaty within the year to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War.
"The steps by the two Koreas will serve as a chance to take a big leap forward toward the stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the whole international community," he stressed, asking for support and interest in the joint efforts.
Stressing the importance of "inclusive development," Kim called for expanded investment in human resources and close cooperation between a variety of entities involved in development projects, according to the ministry.
Under the theme of "Linking People and Economies for Inclusive Growth," the four-day annual meeting from Thursday brought some 4,000 delegates from 67 countries -- including government officials, academics, business leaders and civil society representatives -- to discuss ways to expand the bank's role in achieving sustainable growth in the region. (Yonhap)