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

Turkish officials say coup attempt appears to have failed

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- Turkish officials said Saturday morning the government had appeared to have repelled an attempted military coup following a night of explosions, air battles and gunfire across the capital that left at least 17 dead, according to state-run media.Turkish people attempt to stop a tank moving into position in Ankara, Turkey, late Friday, July 15, 2016. Members of Turkey's armed forces said they had taken control of the country, but Turkish officials said the coup attempt had b

July 16, 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

V4 Cultural specialists gather in Korea

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

Political parties divided over diplomatic impact of THAAD deployment

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

EU, Korea launch emissions trading scheme

The European Union delegation to Korea and Korea’s Ministry of Strategy and Finance launched a project last week to tackle greenhouse gas emissions as part of bilateral cooperation to curb climate change. The emissions trading scheme cooperation project -- worth over 3.5 million euros ($3.87 million) -- will run until January 2019. The EU will offer technical assistance and expertise to Korea through consultations, workshops and study visits to the EU. Through the three-year initiative, both sid

July 10, 2016

South Africa touts wonders for tourism boost

Despite offering far-flung thrills for tourists, South Africa has been a relatively unexplored destination over the years. The country on the southernmost tip of Africa exhibits a myriad of wonders ranging from natural adventure to cultural heritage. Across its beaches, vineyards, plazas and savannas, one can find “city lights and star-studded nights, exquisite cuisines and world-renowned wines,” and hear “the roar of lions and whisper of grasslands,” according to the country’s tourism board. To

July 10, 2016

Number of surviving Korean sex slavery victims falls to 40

Another Korean woman who was forced into sexual servitude by Japan's World War II soldiers died Sunday, a local advocacy group for former "comfort women" said, reducing the number of surviving Korean victims of sexual slavery to 40.Yoo Hee-nam died at the National Medical Center in Seoul due to lung cancer, the House of Sharing said. The organization that runs the shelter for former sex slaves, euphemistically called comfort women, on the outskirts of Seoul, added Yoo's death lowered the number

July 10, 2016

Former Mongolian president urges N. Korea to give up nukes for economic development

Former Mongolian President Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat has said North Korea's simultaneous pursuit of nuclear weapons and economic development is an "impossible" task, adding that Pyongyang should first give up its nuclear program to seek economic growth.Ochirbat, who served as Mongolia's first directly elected president from 1990 to 1997, said economic cooperation with North Korea will be impossible, unless the reclusive state gives up its nuclear program."North Korea needs to focus on enhancing its

July 10, 2016