The Foreign Ministry announced the launch of a research institute for international law on Monday to beef up its diplomatic capabilities and networks with think tanks and experts at home and abroad.

The Center for International Law has been set up at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, a state-run institution for research and the training of diplomats run by the ministry, which is based in southern Seoul. It also appointed as the inaugural president Shin Kak-soo, former vice foreign minister and ambassador to Japan.

The organization will focus on drawing up policy recommendations through comprehensive, systemic research; reinforcing public partnerships on key legal issues; and forging networks with major international law research institutes and specialists, the ministry said. It also plans to provide consultation to central and local governments and help nurture experts in the field.

“The center was set up with the goal of actively utilizing international law, which has growing significance as an effective means of diplomacy for a middle-power nation, in line with growing demands from various areas including territory, maritime sovereignty, human rights, the environment, disarmament and security,” the ministry said in a statement.

To mark the institute’s establishment, the KNDA plans to hold an international conference on Dec. 4 under the theme “World Peace, Prosperity and Justice through International Law: In Pursuit of Korea’s Role as a Middle Power.”

The one-day event will feature a discussion of recent trends in international law and Korea’s responses, maritime governance in Northeast Asia and the role of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and trends and precedents with regard to territorial disputes.

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)