Belarus emphasized the importance of people-to-people ties with Korea when it celebrated its National Day at a hotel in Seoul on Tuesday.

“Expanding people-to-people contacts, as well as deepening mutual understanding and supporting each other in the international arena, have virtually shortened the geographical distance between Belarus and Korea,” Belarusian Ambassador to Korea Natallia Zhylevic said in welcome remarks during the reception.

Belarus supported Korea’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council last year.

Zhylevic also highlighted this year as the 21st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the former Soviet Republic. The two nations first forged diplomatic ties in February 1992.

The ambassador also underscored cooperation in sports between Belarus and Korea, describing Korean Olympic rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae recently facilitating the participation of Belarusian gymnasts in an international gala show of rhythmic gymnastics in Seoul.

“Son won a silver medal in a World Cup tournament in Minsk, Belarus,” she said. “Korea and Belarus are cooperating more in sports now.”

A regional office of the Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency and a joint Korea-Belarus science and technology research center have recently opened in Belarus.

Belarusian-Korean bilateral trade was $200 million last year, Zhylevic said. That and the implementation of dozens of projects in science and technology and active student exchanges are proof of an expanding relationship, she said.

By Philip Iglauer (ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)