Doha Forum calls for Gaza cease-fire, multipolar humanitarian diplomacy

DOHA, Qatar -- Heads of state, UN officials, diplomats and experts called for a cease-fire in Gaza and humanitarian diplomacy to resolve conflicts and foster a sustainable, shared future at the 21st Doha Forum held Dec. 10-11. Under the theme, "Diplomacy, Dialogue and Diversity," the global forum discussed the interconnected nature of global challenges, the future of education, the energy transition, AI governance, economic systems, women's health in conflict, international law, g

Dec. 15, 2023

Korea Herald, Verslo Zinios ink MOU to boost media cooperation

The Korea Herald and Verslo Zinios, a Lithuanian newspaper headquartered in Vilnius, inked a memorandum of understanding to foster international media collaboration Thursday. The agreement aims to elevate awareness of both Lithuania and South Korea through strategic cooperation in journalistic endeavors. The MOU covers the creation and exchange of journalistic content, the sharing of sources, comprehensive news coverage, heightened public awareness, joint event hosting, and conducting interviews

Dec. 15, 2023

N. Gyeongsang governor, KDB chief suggest solutions to tackle weakening economy

Speakers for this week's Global Business Forum, hosted by The Korea Herald on Wednesday, suggested solutions to tackle Korea's falling economy. Decentralization is the key, said Lee Cheol-woo, the governor of North Gyeongsang Province, urging local governments to attract young Koreans with stable and well-paid jobs so that they can help to keep regions outside of Seoul young and vibrant. “We face the crisis of extinction. Yet, all young Koreans are going to Seoul and that’s

Dec. 14, 2023

Denmark celebrates innovation ties with Korea

Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) in Seoul highlighted pioneering Denmark-Korea cooperative ventures in science, technology and innovation, celebrating the 10th anniversary of its operation in Seoul. From demographic change to a green transition, Denmark and Korea have championed advances across areas based on mutual trust and shared values, the Danish Embassy in Seoul said in a statement. The ICDK is a joint initiative of the Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education and the Da

Dec. 13, 2023

British Embassy, BASS celebrates 'Mince Pie Morning'

The British Embassy and the British Association of Seoul (BASS) celebrated the annual Mince Pie Morning at the residence of British Ambassador Colin Crooks in Seoul on Thursday. The event featured traditional English mince pies — a sweet pastry filled with a delectable mixture of fruit, spices, and suet — marking the spirit of the holiday season in English-speaking traditions. “BASS is an important part of the vibrant expat community here in Seoul. It was, as always, a pleasure

Dec. 8, 2023

[Photo News] UAE marks 52nd National Day

UAE NATIONAL DAY UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi delivers welcoming remarks at the UAE's 52nd National Day hosted by the embassy at the Shilla Seoul on November 24. The event showcased the United Arab Emirates' heritage, achievements and the enduring bond between the UAE and South Korea. (UAE Embassy in Seoul)

Dec. 7, 2023

Tourism potential of Philippines, Korea discussed at GBF

Philippines Ambassador to Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-DeVega and Korea Tourism Organization President Kim Jang-sil shared economic and tourism potential of the two countries with CEOs attending the Global Biz Forum hosted by the Korea Herald on Wednesday. Amb. Dizon-DeVega emphasized the forward-looking approach of both countries, noting the significance of the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement signed on Sept. 7, 2023. South Korea and the Philippines solidified their economic and industria

Dec. 7, 2023

Venezuelan Embassy holds disputed Essequibo territory referendum event

The Venezuelan Embassy in Seoul held a press briefing in Seoul last week on the current government's position to a controversial referendum that occurred Sunday over whether the Venezuelan government could claim sovereignty over the disputed Essequibo territory. In the leadup to Sunday's referendum, the Venezuelan Embassy presented its view of the historical context to the territorial dispute and its "unwavering commitment to sovereign rights." Venezuela's current govern

Dec. 4, 2023

Tajikistan envoy urges S. Korea to partner for green economy vision

Tajikistan Ambassador to Korea Salohiddin Kirom advocated for a strategic partnership between South Korea and Tajikistan in an interview with The Korea Herald on Friday. "Green Economy Development Strategy 2023-2037" strategy adopted by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in 2022 with an estimated budget of $2.1 billion aims to enact regulatory reforms, optimize natural resource use, attract investments, introduce modern technologies, boost global collaboration in the green economy

Dec. 4, 2023

Jeju's autonomy is model for Western Sahara: Morocco

The Moroccan Embassy emphasized the significance of administrative autonomy as a catalyst for development, citing as an example the limited autonomy given to Jeju, at a symposium it hosted in Seoul on Friday. South Korea's southernmost island is a self-governing province, except for defense, diplomacy and judicial affairs. Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi referred Jeju as a successful example of administrative autonomy playing a crucial role in regional development, at the symp

Nov. 28, 2023

German envoy calls for enhanced security cooperation with S. Korea

German Ambassador to Korea Georg Schmidt called for enhanced security cooperation, highlighting the interconnectedness of security challenges in Asia and Europe, in an interview with The Korea Herald on Wednesday. Though Germany and South Korea are located far from one another, both face common challenges of Russia forging military transactions with North Korea, and this is something the two countries should work together to resolve global tensions, the ambassador emphasized. “Many people

Nov. 28, 2023

Former Hungarian ambassador receives Gwanghwa Medal

The South Korean government awarded the former Hungarian ambassador to Seoul, Mozes Csoma, with the Gwanghwa Medal, in Budapest on Nov. 8, said Karoli Gaspar University in a press release on Friday. The award recognizes Csoma's contributions to diplomatic service and his role in fostering diplomatic ties between Hungary and South Korea. The Gwanghwa Medal, the highest level of the Order of Merit for diplomatic service, acknowledged his dedicated efforts in promoting friendship between the t

Nov. 27, 2023

[Contribution] Realign climate action for just transition

When the Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015, I was overjoyed. Years of hard work, sleepless nights, and lengthy negotiations were finally behind us. Commitments to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius seemed to be a “reality." There was consensus for a multilateral, legally binding treaty, and my support as a legal adviser to the least developed countries on Paris Agreement negotiations was to benefit so many. Yet my joy was short-lived. Despite scientific knowledge of what

Nov. 23, 2023

German ambassador advocates 'de-risking' at Global Biz Forum

The German ambassador to Korea, Georg Schmidt, addressed the need to pursue a "de-risking" strategy to protect the economy in the face of global uncertainties, at the Global Biz Forum in Seoul on Wednesday. In his remarks, Schmidt recalled the perils of relying heavily on a single source, citing Germany's vulnerability caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, when gas supplies from Russia were disrupted. Germany swiftly adapted by diversifying its sources, constructing LNG terminals and

Nov. 23, 2023

Oman celebrates 53rd National Day, calls Korea reliable ally

Oman marked its 53rd National Day, celebrating the legacy of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and highlighting the nation's enduring partnership with Korea in Seoul on Monday. “Oman values the Republic of Korea as a reliable ally across various sectors and is committed to peace,” said Omani Ambassador to Korea Zakariya bin Hamad Al Saadi, underscoring collaborations in trade, energy, ports, technology and education as he delivered his remarks. Oman's National Day, de

Nov. 21, 2023

[Herald Interview] Latvia hopes to boost economic, cultural ties with Korea

Latvia hopes to boost trade, investment and cultural relations with Korea, said the country's top envoy to Korea on Friday, as Latvia marks its 105th anniversary of independence. Latvian Ambassador to Seoul Aris Vigants said there was potential for increased cooperation on many fronts, with trade volume between Korea and Latvia reaching 128.3 million euros ($140 million) last year. Latvian exports to the country amounted to 72.7 million euros and imports were worth 55.5 million euros in 202

Nov. 20, 2023

[Photo News] INDIAN CINEMA

INDIAN CINEMA Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar (center), spouse of the Indian ambassador to Korea Surabhi Kumar (left), and Korean Film Archive director Kim Hong-jun pose for photos at the 11th edition of the Indian film festival at the Korean Film Archive in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Nov. 14. The event showcased Indian cinema which has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, and has evolved into a dynamic and diverse industry. (Indian embassy)

Nov. 20, 2023

[Photo News] Flowers of Colombia

FLOWERS OF COLOMBIA Attendees pose for a group photo at a floral workshop co-hosted by the Colombian Embassy in Korea and ProColombia, a government agency promoting exports, tourism and foreign direct investment, at the Grand Mercure hotel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Friday. The event, attended by over 60 local buyers and representatives from seven Colombian companies affiliated with flower exporters association Asocolflores, showcased a stunning array of Colombian flowers. Varieties such as carnat

Nov. 20, 2023

Kazakhstan celebrates expanded ties with Busan

The Kazakhstan Embassy in Seoul celebrated expanded economic ties between its former capital Almaty and Busan, calling South Korea’s largest port city a global player in the world economy on Wednesday. Kazakhstan was celebrating the first anniversary of the friendly cooperation city agreement between Almaty and Busan, a pact signed on Sept. 14, 2022, according to a statement from the embassy. The agreement aimed to enhance human exchanges and extend cooperation in diverse fields, including

Nov. 20, 2023

Moroccan daughter of Korean War veteran honors father's legacy

Ftetam el-Asry, the 82-year-old daughter of a Moroccan soldier killed during action in the 1950-53 Korean War, came to South Korea to participate in a ceremony honoring her father, according to the Moroccan Embassy in Seoul. The memorial ceremony organized by the Korean Ministry of Veterans and Patriots was held to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice on Nov. 11 at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan. El-Asry paid a touching tribute to her father, Mohamed el-Asry, whose story rema

Nov. 20, 2023