1. The Republic of Korea was elected for the fourth consecutive time to Group B (major investors) of the Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in the elections held in Jamaica on July 26, local time, during the 24^th session of the ISA Assembly.

※ The ISA Council is composed of Group A -- 4 major consumers/importers of seabed minerals; Group B -- 4 major investors; Group C -- 4 large producers/exporters of seabed minerals; Group D -- 6 developing countries; and Group E -- 18 countries elected in accordance with the principle of equitable geographical distribution of seats.

※ In the Group B election, the ROK, France and Germany won, joining India in the Group.

2. The ROK, first elected to Group E of the ISA Council in 1996, was elected to the Group for another three consecutive times. After first joining Group B in 2009, the country has been elected to the Group for the fourth consecutive time to continue playing a leading role in the process of drawing up main policies of the ISA.

3. As a member of the ISA Council, the ROK is expected to further enhance its standing as a leading country in deep seabed-related matters, including the exploration and development of seabed mineral resources as well as the protection of seabed environment.

* unofficial translation