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Diplomatic Circuit In series
Interviews and stories about the diplomatic corps in Seoul.
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Diplomatic Circuit In series
Interviews and stories about the diplomatic corps in Seoul.
Would you like to subscribe?
Ban Ki-moon calls for action on climate
Kim Sang-hyup to lead GGGI as director general Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned on the dangers of climate change, calling on diplomats and country representatives to take global action to tackle the crisis. "The climate crisis does not take a break or call a timeout," Ban said, urging nonstop commitment to environmental sustainability. He said that armed conflicts, natural disasters and pandemics do not halt the effects of climate change. "Crop failures due to droughts and floods,
March 17, 2025 - 18:39:27
Foreign minister harks back to South Korea's historical Islamic connections
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul highlighted South Korea’s historical ties with the Islamic world at an Iftar dinner hosted by the Seoul government on March 11. Iftar is a meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break the daily fast during Ramadan. “What a proud heritage it is. Throughout history, Muslim civilizations have profoundly enriched humanity by bridging cultures and illuminating new ways of thinking. Their influence can also be found in Korea’s history,” said Cho in his remarks sharing his firs
March 17, 2025 - 18:39:04
Germany under Merz committed to Indo-Pacific with South Korea: director general
Germany has a strong focus on the Indo-Pacific under the new government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said Frank Hartmann, Director-General for Asia and the Pacific at the German Federal Foreign Office in an interview with The Korea Herald on Tuesday. Hartmann was in Seoul to attend the Korea-Germany Indo-Pacific Dialogue on March 10, where both countries discussed measures for regional peace and stability. The meeting, held at South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by Eui-h
March 14, 2025 - 18:28:59
EU spotlights women's roles in security, defense
In an event commemorating International Women's Day Saturday, the European Union delegation to Korea highlighted women's roles in security and defense. Hosting an event under the theme “Towards More Resilient and Secure Democracies: Women in Security and Defense,” experts from South Korea and the EU highlighted the role of gender-responsive policies in strengthening democratic stability and resilience. Moderated by Estonian Ambassador to Korea Sten Schwede, the event referenced EU-ROK Security a
March 11, 2025 - 15:46:10
[Bridge to Africa] Ethiopia is key for Korea’s broader African vision
Ethiopia holds strategic importance for Korea’s broader African vision, particularly in trade and investment, said Ethiopian Ambassador to Korea Dessie Dalkie Dukamo in a written interview with The Korea Herald. Citing Ethiopia's geopolitical location, infrastructure, population, economic potential and stability as major factors, Dukamo positioned his country as a key economic and diplomatic partner for Korea’s engagement with Africa. "Ethiopia is situated in the Horn of Africa, serving as a gat
March 10, 2025 - 18:22:15![[Bridge to Africa] Ethiopia is key for Korea’s broader African vision](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2025/04/16/news-p.v1.20250310.db199ddf36514fdc91bf0b33e9ff2cc9_T1.jpg?type=h&h=320)
Photo exhibition showcases Uzbek and Korean heritage
The Uzbek Embassy in Seoul showcased Uzbek and Korean cultural heritage at a photo exhibition in Seoul on Wednesday. The exhibition was held as part of the celebrations of 2025 as the "Year of Mutual Exchange" between Uzbekistan and South Korea, featuring cultural heritage to promote mutual respect and friendship among Uzbeks and Koreans. Uzbekistan and South Korea have agreed to declare 2025 the “Year of Mutual Exchange" to deepen economic and cultural connections through joint events. Underlin
March 9, 2025 - 17:35:15
Experts call for deeper engagement with India, Global South
Experts and diplomats urged South Korea to deepen engagements with India and the Global South for a strategic shift in Seoul’s foreign policy approach on Feb. 27. The "Global South" refers to countries often characterized as "developing," "less developed" or "underdeveloped." While not exclusive to the Southern Hemisphere, many of these nations are located there, predominantly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The discussion was held at a conference co-organized by the Indian Embassy in Seoul
March 4, 2025 - 16:52:16
Denmark seeks connection with Korea through design
The Danish Embassy in Korea has opened the Denmark Pavilion at the 2025 Seoul Living Design Fair highlighting the cultural connection between Danish and Korean design. At the fair, which ran through March 2, the pavilion showcased clean lines, organic materials and a natural green color, promoting minimalism, functionality and eco-friendliness. In an interview with The Korea Herald, representative of the Confederation of Danish Industry Lise Thomsen explained the role of sustainability and indiv
March 4, 2025 - 15:19:13
Turkmenistan highlights 2025 as crucial for diplomacy, peace
The Turkmen Embassy in Seoul underlined 2025 as a crucial year for diplomacy and peace, marking the International Year of Peace and Trust. Speaking at the event, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Korea Begench Durdyyev introduced Turkmenistan’s adoption of the UN resolution titled “2025 — International Year of Peace and Trust.” He noted that on March 21 last year, during the 63rd plenary meeting of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, this resolution was co-sponsored by 86 UN member states. T
Feb. 25, 2025 - 19:36:49
Qatar, Goyang city to expand cooperation
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra to perform for 1st time in Korea at Aram Nuri Theater in Goyang The Embassy of Qatar and Goyang City pledged to enhance cooperation to strengthen Korea-Qatar diplomatic ties. In a meeting held at Goyang City Hall on Friday, Qatar's Ambassador to Korea, Khalid Ebrahim Al-Hamar, and Goyang Mayor Lee Dong-hwan discussed ways to achieve new milestones in Korea-Qatar ties. South Korea and Qatar established diplomatic relations on April 18, 1974. In October 2023, the two c
Feb. 25, 2025 - 16:53:19
Ukrainian, German experts warn of dangers of North Korean troops in Europe
Experts warned of the security risks of North Korea's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war in a roundtable organized by the embassies of Germany and Ukraine in Seoul on Monday. Alyona Getmanchuk, director of the Kyiv-based New Europe Center, warned against underestimating the role of North Korea in the conflict. “North Korea's involvement is a dangerous development that we shouldn't downplay. While Western nations may appear disunited, authoritarian regimes are synchronizing their efforts, incr
Feb. 25, 2025 - 16:48:04
Kuwait celebrates 64th national day, touts ties with S. Korea
Kuwait and South Korea highlighted the reciprocity of their bilateral ties while marking Kuwait’s 64th National Day in Seoul on Thursday. Kuwait’s National Day, which falls on Feb. 25, commemorates the day Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah became ruler of Kuwait in 1950. Al-Sabah signed a treaty securing Kuwait’s independence from Britain. Kuwait was a British protectorate until 1961. In his remarks, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Korea Deyab Farhan Al-Rashidi underscored the Middle Eastern country's com
Feb. 23, 2025 - 21:47:10
[Bridge to Africa] 'Egypt gateway for Korean defense exports, trade to Middle East, Africa'
Egypt’s strategic location and growing defense industry position it as a key partner for South Korea to expand its military exports into the Middle East and Africa, according to Egyptian Ambassador to Korea Khaled Abdel Rahman. In an interview with The Korea Herald ahead of the 30th anniversary of Egypt-Korea diplomatic ties, Rahman emphasized the mutual benefits of deeper defense cooperation. Egypt and South Korea established diplomatic ties on April 13, 1995, with embassies in Cairo and Seoul.
Feb. 19, 2025 - 13:59:05![[Bridge to Africa] 'Egypt gateway for Korean defense exports, trade to Middle East, Africa'](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2025/04/16/news-p.v1.20250219.4f67913f4c494aafb76dd2d069c4c338_T1.jpg?type=h&h=320)
Lithuania marks Independence Day, highlights sentiments with Koreans
Lithuania commemorated the 107th anniversary of the restoration of the state and the 150th anniversary of the birth of artist Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis with a special concert at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul on Monday. Lithuania's State Restoration Day, observed on Feb. 16, marks the signing of the Act of Independence in 1918, a defining moment in the country's history that ended foreign rule and reestablished its sovereignty. The concert featured the Ciurlionis Quartet, a leading chambe
Feb. 18, 2025 - 21:07:25
Colombian Embassy, celebrating cultural diversity in Seoul
Colombia is celebrating the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations with South Korea and 40th anniversary of the Seoul-Bogota sisterhood in cultural events. As part of the celebrations, the Colombian Embassy in Seoul is co-hosting cultural events with the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the sidelin
May 30, 2022 - 21:31:06
