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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Young cultural professionals from the four member countries of the Visegrad Group, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, visited Seoul on Sunday as part of the 2016 Korea-V4 Young Professional Cultural Exchange Camp. The week-long event, which is hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and run by Herald Corp., will take place in Seoul and Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. While in Korea they will experience the local culture and forge new friendships with Korean cultural special

July 12, 2016

With Beijing’s rebuke showing little signs of abating over the U.S.’ envisioned THAAD stationing here, concerns are intensifying that China may take retaliatory steps that may take a substantial toll on the South Korean economy. Following last Friday’s announcement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other officials have reacted with sharp criticism, urging South Korea and the U.S. to shelve the plan. Official media churned out editorials and articles calling for military action and economic c

July 11, 2016

South Korea's ruling and opposition parties remained divided over the latest decision to deploy an advanced U.S. missile defense system in the country, with smaller parties expressing concerns over diplomatic fallouts with China and Russia, political pundits said Monday.Last week, Seoul and Washington agreed to station the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in South Korea to better counter Pyongyang's ever-growing missile threats. Moscow and Beijing have been opposing the move, claiming

July 11, 2016