"The international community expects a more active role from European and the Middle Eastern countries in dealing with North Korea."
This is what Doctor Jang Ji-hyang says about how the Middle East can play an important role in the Korean peninsula.
Doctor Jang adds that Iran's nuclear deal does not have direct impact on North Korea's denuclearization as they have different domestic power structures and economies
North Korea is too poor and closed to be affected by economic pressure from outside.
However, she says that some Middle Eastern organizations such as Hamas illegally trade with North Korea, which helps the North.
Thus she stressed greater help from the Middle East nations is needed.
After three presentations on the regional challenges in the Middle East and Korea, three renowned professors and a senator began debating the issues.
This is what was discussed during the first session of the 12th Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum in Seoul on Monday.
The annual event, co-hosted by Korea-Arab Society, the Jeju Peace Institute, and the Arab Thought Forum, seeks to exchange in-depth opinions and analysis on how to further strengthen the relationships and develop networking among the leaders.
This year's forum largely focused on current issues such as the refugee crisis and youth unemployment under the theme 'Partnership for Peace, Prosperity and People'.
Korea's Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se gave the keynote speech -- highlighting the importance of this year's topics and on expanding the horizons of Korea-Middle East cooperation.
(Stand-up)
"The morning sessions were followed by two more sessions on the economy and society, covering crucial topics including maximizing financial cooperation between Korea and the Middle East at a time of falling oil prices and high, youth unemployment.
Lee Ji-won, Arirang News."