‘The longest night in Turkey: Aborted putsch against constitutional order’

By Turkish Ambassador to Korea Arslan Hakan Okcal What had unfolded on the night of July 15 in Turkey was a failed attempt by a small faction of our armed forces to subvert our democratically elected government and constitutional order. This revolt was unrelated to the vast majority of our military. The plotters were defeated by our brave compatriots, who took to the streets in droves to defend Turkey’s democracy. I am pleased to note that law and order have been swiftly restored and the culprit

July 25, 2016

Direct flight between Warsaw, Seoul to take off

Starting Oct. 18, LOT Polish Airlines will launch a direct flight between Warsaw and Seoul, making it the first ever nonstop connection between the two countries.Serving three trips weekly in each direction between the Warsaw Chopin Airport and Incheon International Airport, the maiden initiative is expected to boost the exposure of both countries, streamlining their surging trade and investment, tourism and education exchange. The airline -- which is a member of the Star Alliance group -- will

July 25, 2016

Thailand shores up digital economy drive

The Thai Board of Investment Seoul Office held a seminar in mid-July to promote the country’s rising digital economy and attract investors and specialists. The venue titled “Thailand: Moving forward to digital economy” gave an overview of developments in the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, as it transitions toward a knowledge-based society. Through the ambitious government initiative “Thailand 4.0,” Bangkok aims to transform the country into a regional innovation hub, housing research

July 25, 2016

Flashpoints-strewn regional security forum kicks off

The two Koreas, the U.S., China, Japan and other major regional powers are embarking on a diplomatic race this week at a security forum in Vientiane amid tension over North Korea’s ceaseless military provocations and the planned stationing of U.S. anti-missile assets here. Foreign ministers from around the Asia Pacific began to touch down in the Laotian capital on Sunday for the ASEAN Regional Forum, the region’s largest security conference organized by the 10-nation Southeast Asian bloc.  Forei

July 24, 2016

‘Green growth week’ to promote eco-friendly financing

With financial support being key to fostering eco-friendly growth, the upcoming Global Green Growth Week event in September seeks to provide a link between the developing world and multinational banks, organizers said Thursday. The Global Green Growth Institute plans to present the first-ever weeklong event on Jeju Island on Sept. 5-9, under the theme of “Maximizing Impact for Inclusive and Sustainable Green Growth.”With a three-pronged focus on finance, renewable energy and social inclusion, th

July 21, 2016

Photographs capture spirit of Colombians

A photo exhibition at the Korea Foundation Gallery in Seoul is revealing forgotten images of the past captured through the eyes of Colombians. Titled “Colombian Caribbean by Leo Matiz and Colombia in the Korean War,” the exhibition vividly illustrates the ties that bind the two countries, whose relationship was forged in blood and whose bond now prospers in the arts and culture. Twenty-five photographs by world-renowned Colombian artist Leo Matiz shed light on the Latin American country from the

July 18, 2016

Argentina welcomes investment at independence celebration

The Argentine Embassy last week marked the country’s 200th anniversary of independence and its resurgence as a reformed economy at a reception in Seoul. On July 9, 1816, the country adopted a resolution declaring Argentina’s independence from colonial Spain and creating the Argentine Republic under the name “The United Provinces of the River Plate.” “During the last two centuries we have matured as a nation and society, gaining the wisdom that age and experience bring,” Argentine Ambassador Jorg

July 18, 2016

Colombia, Korea mark free trade agreement entering force

Colombia and Korea marked on Friday their bilateral free trade agreement coming into force, signaling an enhanced level of economic cooperation in the future. The accord, which had been pending congressional ratification in Bogota, is the Latin American country’s first such agreement with an Asian economy. It will serve as a gateway to Asia-Pacific for Colombian firms and a bridge to Latin America for Korean enterprises, according to the Korea International Trade Association.“Colombia is going t

July 18, 2016

South Africa inspires troubled world with Mandela’s words

Monday is Nelson Mandela International Day, which commemorates the late South African president’s sacrifices during the antiapartheid struggle and his contributions to universal human rights.The United Nations General Assembly in 2009 chose Mandela’s birthday on July 18 to honor his life and message, calling on people worldwide to devote 67 minutes of their lives to serving others -- through works such as feeding, schooling and sheltering the needy -- in recognition of the late leader’s charity

July 18, 2016

[EYE] Shaping the game of development assistance

On paper, Kim In-shik may not be the most likely candidate to steer the Korea International Cooperation Agency. An old hand at trade and investment relations, the 67-year-old spent nearly 30 years promoting Korean products, technologies and markets around the globe for the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency until his departure in 2005. It’s rare for a non-diplomat to take on the helm the organization. Despite the odds, he took the post in May, and is more than ready to prove he is the perfe

July 15, 2016

Park arrives in Mongolia for summit diplomacy

President Park Geun-hye arrived in Mongolia on Thursday, setting in motion her summit diplomacy aimed at firming up international cooperation to deal with North Korea‘s nuclear ambitions and a rising wave of trade protectionism.　During her five-day visit to the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, Park will attend the two-day Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), which begins Friday, and hold bilateral talks with her Mongolian counterpart Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.　“This visit (to Mongolia) focuses on strengthen

July 14, 2016

Seoul’s China dilemma deepens after South China Sea ruling

In the aftermath of the Hague tribunal’s ruling on the South China Sea, Seoul’s dilemma is poised to deepen as the U.S. will likely call for its ally to speak up on Beijing’s assertiveness in the region in pursuit of joint action, observers here said Wednesday.　The watershed findings announced Tuesday dealt a major blow to China. The tribunal rebuked Beijing’s claim to “historic rights” over the bulk of the resources-rich waters as lacking legal basis and said some of its activities breached the

July 13, 2016