By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo “Belarus is a country with an ancient history and rich traditions, beautiful nature and stunning architecture, industrial giants and well-developed agriculture, unique cuisine and hospitable people,” said H.E. Andrew Chernetsky, Belarus Ambassador to the Republic of Korea on May 20, 2025. In an exclusive interview with the Diplomacy Journal, Amb. Chernetsky said, “The modern cultural life of Belarus is dynamic and diverse. The country hosts numerous art, music, theater exhibitions and film festivals. Belarus entertains its guests with a variety of events.” Noting that
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) is holding the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting from May 15–16 at the International Convention Center Jeju (ICC Jeju). As Korea is resuming APEC chairmanship in 20 years since 2005, Minister for Trade Cheong In-kyo is chairing the MRT meeting with the participation of trade ministers from 21 major economies in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, and the U.S., as well as the WTO Director-General and the OECD Deputy Secretar
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The UN World Food Program (WFP) has warned that millions of people in West and Central Africa are facing record hunger as conflict, displacement, economic hardship and repeated extreme weather push the region towards a major crisis, the UN News reported. More than 36 million are struggling to meet their basic food needs, which is projected to rise to over 52 million during the lean season from June to August, latest analysis reveals. This includes almost three million people facing emergency conditions, and 2,600 people in Mali who are at risk of catastrophic hunger,
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo May 2 marks World Press Freedom Day and UN Secretary-General António Guterres is highlighting an uptick in violence faced by journalists covering environmental issues, which has made the profession increasingly dangerous, the UN News reported. The UN chief said journalists and media professionals “have a key role in informing and educating” the public about the world’s current environmental and climate emergency which stands as a threat to future generations. It is through this work that people can have a greater understanding of environmental factors affecting the wo
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo “Kyrgyzstan is a country of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. I would especially recommend Korean tourists to visit our country, often called as the Alps of Central Asia,” said Amb. of the Kyrgyz Republic to Korea Aida Ismailova on April 18. In an exclusive interview with Diplomacy Journal held at the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Seoul, Amb. Ismailova said, “The Kyrgyz government is actively developing the tourism sector and implementing programs to attract foreign visitors. These include a visa-free regime for Korean citizens
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The following interview article was contributed by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul to Diplomacy Journal for publication. -- Ed. On the occasion of the Central Asia Media Forum held in Astana on April 16, Roman Vassilenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, gave an exclusive interview to Derya Soysal from EU Reporter. In this conversation, Vassilenko shared insights into Kazakhstan’s vision for regional media cooperation, the strategic goals behind President Tokayev’s initiative, and the broader importance of strengthening dialogue and understanding a
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo From Rio to Ajaccio, circumnavigating the globe dozens of times if you consider the sheer number of kilometres travelled, Pope Francis’ 47 Apostolic Visits abroad took him and his message of closeness to every continent and almost every corner of the earth, the Vatican News reported. Throughout the years and journeys, it became increasingly clear that he set the tone immediately when he was photographed upon his departure to Brazil in 2013, carrying his little black bag as he climbed the steps into the aircraft. Then, during the flight, he walked up and down the aisle
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo LG Electronics (LG), a mobility sector technology leader, has been honored at General Motors’ (GM) 33rd annual Supplier of the Year event in Arizona, USA, earning the coveted title of “Creativity Team Award” for redefining in-vehicle entertainment and connectivity, the LG said on April 14. “This latest recognition from GM serves as a testament to our commitment to developing and reliably supplying innovative automotive solutions,” said Eun Seok-hyun, president of the LG Vehicle Solution Company. “We look forward to strengthening our partnership as we continue to push
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo South Korean airline Eastar Jet has launched a new direct flight on the Seoul – Almaty route on April 7, marking another step in strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and South Korea. This is the first flight to Kazakhstan operated by Korean low-cost airline (LCC). Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Nurgali Arystanov emphasized that currently there were 11 direct flights per week between the two countries, and the addition of two new flights by Eastar Jet creates a new "aviation bridge", which will further promote business partnerships and incre
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo On April 3, in the city of Samarkand, on the sidelines of the “Central Asia and the European Union” Summit, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, HE. Mr. Emomali Rahmon, met with the President of the European Council, H.E. Mr. Antonio Costa. The two sides discussed issues of cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union. The President Emomali Rahmon, emphasized that “we consider the European Union to be one of our important partners in the international arena.” Antonio Costa stressed the importance of resolving border issues between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzst
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo Fast fashion is accelerating an environmental catastrophe, with the equivalent of one garbage truck’s worth of clothing either incinerated or sent to landfill every second, the UN chief warned on March 27. Speaking at an event commemorating Sunday’s International Day of Zero Waste, Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent action to curb the textile industry’s devastating impact on the planet., the UN News reported. “Dressing to kill could kill the planet,” he stressed. The fashion industry is one of the world’s most polluting sectors, responsible for up to
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The leaders of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan convened for a trilateral summit in the historic city of Khujand on March 31, 2025. President of the Republic of Tajikistan His Excellency Emomali Rahmon welcomed the visiting heads of state, His Excellency Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In his opening remarks, President Rahmon extended Navruz greetings and highlighted the holiday's enduring significance in promoting human values, mutual respect, and harmony. He
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by Obid Khakimov, director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, to UN Journal for publication through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. –Ed. On April 3–4, 2025, Samarkand will host a historic event: the first-ever Summit between the European Union and Central Asia. The meeting will be chaired by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and will include the participation of the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The EU will be represented by European Council President Antonio Cost
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo George Mason University Korea, the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, and Coupang announced on March 25 the 2025 Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) Esports Competition, a U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral initiative aimed at fostering strategic thinking, teamwork, and digital engagement among young gamers. This competition will serve as an educational platform for participants to develop essential cognitive and collaborative skills within a competitive environment while strengthening trilateral relations between the three nations. The YTL Esports Competition provid
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo Hyundai Motor Group announced a significant investment of USD 21 billion in the United States from 2025 to 2028, the group said on March 25. This commitment reflects the Group’s strategic focus on expanding its manufacturing capabilities, advancing future technologies, and enhancing energy infrastructure in America. This latest U.S. investment builds on the Group’s existing allocation of approximately USD 20.5 billion since entering the U.S. market in 1986. “Hyundai Motor Group is deepening its partnership with the United States, reinforcing our shared vision for Amer