Poland, Hungary share legacies of transformation

Throughout the late 1980s and ’90s, the Visegrad Group of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia transformed from Soviet satellite states to sovereign European democracies. On Feb. 15, 1991, Polish President Lech Walesa, Czechoslovakian President Vaclav Havel and Hungarian Prime Minister Jozsef Antall met in the small castle town of Visegrad, Hungary, and established the informal alliance of Central European nations. The waves of transition that followed rippled from Warsaw, Prague and

Nov. 14, 2016

ASEAN buoys connectivity, woos investment

In line with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Economic Community Blueprint 2025, the regional bloc of 10 countries aims to enhance their physical, institutional and societal connectivity over the next 10 years to navigate the volatile world economy. Bolstered by the launch of the ASEAN Community last year, which comprises of security, economic and socio-cultural dimensions, the association envisions a “more comprehensively and seamlessly connected” Southeast Asia through state-of-the-

Nov. 14, 2016

Korea, Japan to tentatively sign intelligence-sharing pact next week

South Korea plans to tentatively sign an accord to share intelligence on North Korea with Japan as early as next week, Seoul’s Defense Ministry said Friday, amid lingering political and public resistance toward military cooperation. After two rounds of working-level negotiations, the two countries are expected to hold a wrap-up session in Tokyo followed by the preliminary signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement, ministry spokesperson Moon Sang-gyun said. “As the sides r

Nov. 11, 2016

Seoul goes all out to foster Trump ties

In the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory, Seoul officials are setting out to build a communication channel with the president-elect to promote policy understanding and coordination. The Foreign Ministry has since last June been running a task force under Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Kim Hyoung-zhin, with two teams responsible for monitoring and making contact with the campaigns of Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The election results pose new challenges for the team

Nov. 10, 2016

S. Korea-US ties will not be affected by Trump win: ex-U.S. congressman

Jay Kim, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California, said Wednesday South Korea's alliance with the United States will not be affected in the long run, amid concerns that Donald Trump will upset close bilateral ties that have withstood the test of time."There's no reason for the Seoul-Washington ties to be damaged," Kim said during an interview with Yonhap News Agency.Trump has made numerous radical comments about the military alliances between two countries, claiming S

Nov. 9, 2016

What Trump has said about Korea

The surprise victory of Donald Trump has many officials in Seoul looking up what exactly he has said about South Korea on his campaign trail, in interviews and debates. Here are some of the things the US Republican real estate mogul turned politician publicly said about Korea -- both South and North. -- Ed. On North Korean leader Kim Jong-un“If you look at North Korea -- this guy (Kim Jong-un), he’s like a maniac, OK? And you have to give him credit. How many young guys -- he was like 26 or 25 w

Nov. 9, 2016

US policy on NK, region faces soaring uncertainties

Donald Trump’s win in the US presidential election casts uncertainties over Washington’s Asia policy and its joint defense posture with Seoul, as he has hinted at a sweeping departure from the Democratic administration’s approach. The billionaire real estate mogul has yet to offer a clear foreign and security policy vision, other than an isolationist concept with the “America First” motto. Throughout the campaign trail, however, he was adamant that South Korea should pay greater defense costs, l

Nov. 9, 2016

Korea-born French deputy minister says Clinton should win

 A Korean-born French deputy minister said Tuesday he hopes Hillary Clinton wins the United States presidential election, casting Donald Trump as a dangerous politician in terms of national security."At least for the sake of global development and stability, I think Clinton should win," French Deputy Minister for Government Reform and Simplification Jean-Vincent Place said in a press conference in Seoul.He is in South Korea for a four-day visit to attend a government forum on digital administrat

Nov. 8, 2016

ASEAN foods whet appetites at culinary festival

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Korea Center in Seoul hosted its annual culinary fair last week, bringing Southeast Asia’s diverse, distinct foods to the Korean public that has become increasingly drawn to the region’s gastronomic and touristic attractions.The event, titled the “ASEAN Culinary Festival 2016,” was held at COEX in Seoul from Wednesday to Saturday. It showcased 30 signature dishes and beverages from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which were prepared by top c

Nov. 7, 2016

Healthy Finnish food comes to Korea

The Finnish embassy in Seoul showcased last week the country’s wholesome, organic edibles in a bid to raise its profile in Korea, where consumers increasingly look for healthy options in their diet. Finland, located at the northeastern edge of Europe, is famous for its simple, yet nutritious cuisine made from organic ingredients grown near the Arctic. Much of its food comes from the unsoiled arctic greens and its crystal-clear waters. Representing cleanness, trustworthiness and high quality, the

Nov. 7, 2016

USFK Commander given Korean name in ceremony

Gen. Vincent K. Brooks -- commander of United States Forces Korea, Combined Forces Command and United Nations Command -- was bestowed a Korean name last week at a ceremony in a show of appreciation for his commitment to strengthening fraternity between the defense forces of the US and Korea. At the venue Friday organized by the ROK-US Alliance Friendship Association, the top commander was given a plaque and a scroll displaying his new name: “Park Yu-jong.” The last name “Park” comes from Park Je

Nov. 7, 2016

‘Sudan is gateway to African and Middle East markets’

Sudan’s vast land and water resources and strategic position in northeastern Africa present unexplored opportunities to Korean investors, according to the country’s top envoy. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour came to Korea last week and held a discussion on diverse bilateral with his counterpart, Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se. He also met potential investors and officials at a forum organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “With vast land and water, we have large

Nov. 7, 2016

EU kick-starts programs for Emissions Trading System

The European Union delegation to Korea and Korea’s Ministry of Strategy and Finance will jointly organize a series of programs in emissions trading to help curb greenhouse gas emissions and jump-start the green economy simultaneously. Officially launched July 8, the three-year scheme shares the EU’s experience and knowledge in operating the emissions trading system -- an innovative approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the trading of emissions credits on the market -- with the Ko

Nov. 7, 2016

Seoul on guard ahead of US election

With American voters poised to cast ballots to pick their next president Tuesday, Seoul officials are gauging the election’s potential impact on high-stake issues such as bilateral alliance, the US policy on North Korea, regional security and trade.Throughout the campaign trail, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has in general maintained a slight edge over Republican nominee Donald Trump. In the final NBC News-Wall Street Journal poll, Clinton garnered 44 percent of likely voters and Trump 40

Nov. 7, 2016

UNSC negotiations being protracted amid Sino-US rivalry, political uncertainties in US

Negotiations at the UN Security Council over a new sanctions resolution on North Korea are being drawn out with no signs of an imminent breakthrough nearly two months after Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test.Analysts said that the delay appears to be in part because of political uncertainties in the United States, which will hold a presidential election this week, and a strategic rivalry between the US and China.Following Pyongyang's Sept. 9 nuclear test, the most powerful one to date, the US, along

Nov. 6, 2016