By UN Journal Kayla Lee Director-General for Consular Affairs and Safety Yoon Chu Sok held the 7th ROK-Thailand Consular Consultation in Bangkok with H.E. Mungkorn Pratoomkaew, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 9, 2025. The two sides engaged in wide-ranging discussions on bilateral consular issues, including ▴enhancing the convenience of entry, exit, and stay for Korean nationals in Thailand, and ▴protecting Korean nationals residing in Thailand. Director-General Yoon emphasized that the bilateral relationship between the two countries, which entered into a strategic partnership in 2012, has developed in nearly every sector—including political, economic, and cultural—over the past 67 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1958. He expressed his intent to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in consular affairs to deliver tangible results that benefit the citizens of both countries. Director-General Yoon noted the robust people-to-people exchanges, highlighting that the number of Korean visitors to Thailand in the previous year reached approximately 1.87 million—approaching the all-time high of 1.89 million recorded in 2019. He requested the Thai government’s continued interest and cooperation to ensure the safety and convenience of Korean nationals residing in Thailand. Director-General Yoon also expressed appreciation for Thailand’s active support in assisting the rescue of Korean nationals who were confined in neighboring countries due to employment scams earlier this year, and both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in cases involving Korean victims in the future. Furthermore, Director-General Yoon emphasized a need to closely collaborate in order to reduce the number of Thai nationals overstaying in Korea. Both sides shared the view that the protection and convenience of each other’s nationals through consular cooperation is of paramount importance, and that the latest consultation, held 17 months after the 6th meeting in Seoul, served as a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the consular field.
By UN Journal Kayla Lee Dr. Shin Hee-seok, a legal analyst of the Transnational Justice Working Group (TJWG), was appointed as a member of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) at the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) on July 8, 2025. The WGAD is one of the special procedures of the HRC and is composed of five members appointed from each of the UN’s five regional groups. The WGAD investigates cases of deprivation of liberty imposed arbitrarily or inconsistently with international human rights standards, and adopts an opinion as to the arbitrariness of the detention and presents necessary recommendations. Dr. Shin is the second Korean national to be appointed as a member of the WGAD. He is expected to contribute to the international community’s efforts for the promotion and protection of human rights, including addressing the issue of arbitrary detention. The Republic of Korea, as a member state of the HRC for the 2025-2027 term, is actively taking part in global efforts for the promotion and protection of human rights. The ROK government will continue to extend its support to competent Korean experts for their representation in the UN human rights mechanism.
By UN Journal Lee Jon-young In order to maintain a just society, the law must be operated based on fairness and trust. Dasan Jeong Yak-yong (丁若鏞, 1762-1836), a Silhak scholar of the late Joseon Dynasty who studied practical matters, wrote "Heumheumsinseo欽欽新書" and sought ways to rationally enforce criminal law and prevent unjust prison cases. This was part of efforts to improve the judicial system at the time and is considered an important guideline for fair trials. In modern society, securing fairness and trust in the judicial system is an important task, and legal measures such as the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act have been taken for this purpose. The Criminal Procedure Act, revised in 2020, stipulates that the suspect interrogation record written by the prosecutor is not accepted as evidence if the suspect denies its contents. This was a measure to strengthen the suspect's right to defense and increase the fairness of the prosecution's investigation. However, the Constitutional Court of Korea recently ruled in the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol that, unlike in criminal trials, even prosecution records denied by the parties can be accepted as evidence. This decision is considered to be in conflict with the purpose of the 2020 revision of the Criminal Procedure Act and is causing controversy. President Yoon's side criticized this as a "regressive decision" and raised the question of whether the Constitutional Court, which is an institution that must follow the Constitution, is deceiving the people and violating the Constitution. In addition, if such rulings are repeated, the people will inevitably have doubts about whether they can trust the decisions of the Constitutional Court. In particular, if a judgment lacking legal consistency is made, it could have a negative impact on the fairness and reliability of the entire judiciary. The law must develop in accordance with the needs of the times, but at the same time, it must be operated based on public trust. There are criticisms that the Constitutional Court's decision this time needs to be reexamined not only in terms of legal legitimacy but also in terms of public trust. In order for the judiciary to restore fairness and trust, rational and consistent application of the law that the public can accept is essential. The interpretation and application of the law should not vary depending on specific political situations, but should maintain universal principles and consistency in order to gain the public’s trust. The principle of fair trials emphasized by Dasan Jeong Yak-yong is still valid today. In a modern democratic society, the law should not be for the benefit of a specific group or individual, but should be a tool for the trust and realization of justice for the entire public. Deep reflection is needed on whether the recent decision of the Constitutional Court has balanced the two factors of legal legitimacy and public trust, and more careful and consistent judgment is required in the future operation of the judiciary.
UNJournal Jon Lee | The following article was contributed by Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee, to Diplomacy Journal for publication through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. -- Ed. Uzbekistan and Malaysia may be located in different parts of the world, in Central Asia and Southeast Asia, but we actively cooperate to develop in mutually beneficial ways. Tourism is a key area of our partnership. Despite the significant geographical distance between us, there is enormous potential for expanding ties in the tourism sector, which, in turn, will bring economic benefits and promote cultural exchange. Tourism plays a vital role in both countries’ economies, creating jobs, contributing to infrastructure development, and improving connections between our two nations. An important step in strengthening the tourism links between Uzbekistan and Malaysia has been the introduction of a visa-free regime for citizens of both countries, valid for up to 30 days. This has simplified travel and is a major factor in the increase in tourist flows. In 2023, 4,396 Malaysian tourists visited Uzbekistan, and in 2024, the number more than doubled to 9,464, indicating the growing interest in Uzbekistan as an attractive tourist destination for Malaysians. Another important component in this process was the appointment of Daler Yusuf as Uzbekistan's tourism brand ambassador to Malaysia in January 2019, which further strengthened our ties. Both countries have been paying great attention to strengthening the legal aspects of our tourism collaboration. In October 2023, during the 25th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Governments of Uzbekistan and Malaysia which laid solid foundations for expanding our cooperation in many areas of tourism. In 2024, a Malaysian delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, participated in the XII Session of the Islamic Conference of Ministers of Tourism in Khiva. This is just one example of how Malaysia and Uzbekistan are supporting each other in the international arena and implementing joint projects in tourism. The historical and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia also positively influence our tourism cooperation. Both countries belong to the Islamic world and take great pride in our shared Islamic cultural heritage. This is an essential driver of pilgrimage tourism, which holds a special place in our hearts as well as our economies. Uzbekistan’s historic cities, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, were ancient centres of Islamic culture and learning. They attract pilgrims from all over the world, in particular from Malaysia. Malaysia has rich experience in organizing such tours, and thus is a priority partner for Uzbekistan. In recent years, Uzbekistan has made widespread efforts to create Muslim-friendly infrastructure, including new prayer spaces and Halal hotels and restaurants. This has contributed to growing interest of Muslim tourists — and not just Muslim pilgrims — in visiting Uzbekistan. Samarkand and Bukhara, as major spiritual and historical centres, attract both these groups with their culture, history, and hospitality. Looking back in time, I note that on February 21-23, 2019, a Malaysian delegation participated in the First International Forum on Ziyarah Tourism, held in Bukhara. This shows how long Malaysia and Uzbekistan have been supporting one another in this field. During the forum, the Mufti of the Malaysian state of Perlis, Mohd Asri Bin Zainul Abidin, was appointed as the Ambassador for Ziyarah Tourism of Uzbekistan. We are fortunate to have such a respected envoy. I want to talk now about areas with substantial potential for future development: this event is about looking forward. Ecological and educational tourism will be particularly important. Uzbekistan, with its diverse natural landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and oases, is an attractive destination for eco-tourism. Malaysia is known for its tropical forests and unique ecosystems, too. Both countries have enormous potential to attract tourists interested in nature and sustainable tourism. The joint development of this sector through exchanging experience should become a central aspect of bilateral cooperation. Educational tourism also holds great potential. Uzbekistan actively encourages academic exchange programmes, attracting students from around the world, including from Malaysia. Malaysian educational institutions can partner with Uzbek universities to implement joint educational programmes, which would further strengthen cultural ties and promote academic tourism. Direct flights between Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur play a vital role in increasing tourist flows. They provide convenience and comfort for travelers. In the future, we are planning to diversify routes and increase the frequency of flights, making trips between Uzbekistan and Malaysia even more accessible. Another promising area is the creation of twin-centre tour packages which include visits to both countries. They will be of particular interest to tourists wanting to combine a variety of cultural and natural attractions in a single trip. To successfully promote Uzbekistan’s tourism products in Malaysia we are actively collaborating with local media and influencers. In recent years, several press-tours have been organized for leading Malaysian television channels and media companies such as “Sulalatus Salatin” and “RTM Malaysia”, as well as for gastronomic bloggers. These steps help spread first-hand information about Uzbekistan's tourism potential in Malaysia. The documentary that a creative team from RTM TV made about pilgrimage tourism in Bukhara and the holy sites of the Fergana Valley has been especially popular. During the last couple of years, cultural exchanges between our countries have also intensified. In 2023, a photo exhibition titled “Uzbekistan — The Center of Islamic Civilization” was organized at the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur, introducing the unique cultural and historical landmarks of Uzbekistan to a wider Malaysian audience. In 2024, we presented Uzbekistan's tourism opportunities in Kuala Lumpur, as well as hosting B2B meetings for tour operators to discuss developing joint tour packages. We are committed to unlocking the full tourism potential of both Uzbekistan and Malaysia, that can be realized through joint efforts. Both countries possess a rich cultural heritage, unique natural resources, and experience in tourism development. It is important to note that both sides are actively working on expanding transport links, creating joint tourist packages, and promoting their tourism offerings in partner countries. Given the growing number of tourists, infrastructure advancement, and rising cultural ties, we are confident that tourism ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia will only expand, bringing long-term economic and cultural benefits to both countries. In the coming years, tourism will open up new horizons for both countries and contribute to the strengthening of multifaceted bilateral ties.
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By UN Journal Kayla Lee Prime Minister Han Deok-soo received Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, who is on an official visit to Korea (May 30-June 1), at Government Complex Seoul, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest on May 31. Prime Minister Han congratulated Vietnam on the recent election of President To Lam, and emphasized the importance of strategic communication and exchanges between the two countries to further develop the comprehensive strategic partnership in all fields. Foreign Minister Son thanked Han for his hospitality and praised the high-level exchanges, including the back-to-back bilateral visits of the two leaders over the past two years, as a strong impetus for the development of bilateral relations. The two sides also expressed their willingness to work closely together to fully implement the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was agreed upon during President Yoon's state visit to Vietnam in June last year. The two sides agreed to accelerate reciprocal cooperation in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Han asked for special attention and support to create a favorable environment for Korean businesses in Vietnam, and Son promised to keep an eye on the issue of supporting Korean business activities in Vietnam. The Prime Minister also emphasized that active people-to-people exchanges are fundamental to the development of bilateral ties, and called on Minister Son to continue to strengthen communication and cooperation to promote the safety, protection, and convenience of the people of both countries living and working in each other's countries. Han expressed his appreciation for Vietnam's support for his government's efforts to promote peace and stability in the region in its role as ASEAN-Korea Dialogue Facilitation Unit (AKFU) and asked for continued interest and cooperation. He also called on Vietnam to play an active role in helping ASEAN send a firm and united message to North Korea in response to its provocations, including the launch of military reconnaissance satellites and ballistic missiles.
UNJournal Kayla Lee | Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul met with visiting International Crisis Group on May 28 and exchanged views on the importance of the Global South, which encompasses developing countries in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia, as well as cooperation measures, the international situation, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia. As the strategic position of the Global South is strengthening under the geopolitical transformation, including the intensifying U.S.-China strategic competition, the war in Ukraine, and the crisis in the Middle East, Minister Cho called for ICG to monitor ongoing conflicts around the world and make recommendations to key policymakers. He said that Korea will cooperate with ICG, which has expertise in Africa, to establish regional diplomatic strategies. Cho also explained that South Korea is expanding its role and contributions in line with its status as a global pivotal country, and plans to develop a win-win partnership with the Global South, especially through the Korea-Africa Summit scheduled to be held on June 4-5, by actively leveraging South Korea's strengths and capabilities based on its experience in industrialization and democratization in a short period of time. While deeply agreeing that the Global South countries are essential to resolving international issues amidst a tectonic shift in the geopolitical environment, Ero emphasized the need to work toward practical solutions to international issues such as poverty, security challenges, and international debt relief faced by many countries in the Global South. In addition, Ero praised Korea for achieving economic prosperity and political democracy based on universal values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, and said that they will work together to enhance Korea's status and role in the international arena, including cooperation in the Global South. Cho and Ero also exchanged views on recent developments on key diplomatic issues, including the outcome of the South Korea-Japan-China summit, bilateral relations, trilateral relations, and U.S.-China relations.
UNJournal Jon Lee | The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on Jan. 16 that it will hold the '2024 F/W Seoul Fashion Week' from Feb. 1 to 5, which will showcase fashion trends that will be popular this fall and winter. The Seoul Fashion Week will consist of 21 brand fashion shows (15 DDP and 6 Seongsu SFactory) and a trade show with 68 brands and 300 domestic and international buyers (100 from 14 countries). This year's fashion show will include more young brands with high potential for global growth, and the stage will be expanded to Seongsu, a 'fashion mecca,' as last year's fashion show was held only at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). A total of 68 apparel brands, miscellaneous goods, and jewelry brands, including those participating in the fashion show, will participate in the trade show, gathering major domestic and international department stores, editorial shops, online shopping malls, showrooms, and fashion investment companies. The fashion show will be held six weeks earlier than last year. As global interest in K-fashion is growing, the organization plans to hold the fashion week ahead of the four major overseas fashion weeks (New York, Paris, Milan, and London) to increase the interest of global fashion media and big buyers. NewJeans was selected as an ambassador for Seoul Fashion Week in February last year and will continue its role this year. They will appear in seasonal posters and videos to introduce Seoul Fashion Week and K-fashion brands to 'fashion people' around the world. The poster was created in a pictorial style, with all the members of Newjeans wearing clothes from the collections of the participating brands of Seoul Fashion Week F/W 2024 (Han Na Shin, July Column, and ULKIN). The city will also organize a citizen participation event where people can experience the fashion shows of 21 brands at Seoul Fashion Week. Participants can apply on Seoul Fashion Week's official Instagram from Jan. 16 to 24, and 200 seats will be awarded through a lottery. The Seoul Fashion Week website (www.seoulfashionweek.org) will also accept applications from domestic and international buyers for the trade show until Jan. 29. "We will continue to develop Seoul Fashion Week into a global fashion business platform that trend-setting fashion people and buyers from around the world want to visit," said Kwon So-hyun, head of the Seoul Beauty and Fashion Industry Division.
UNJournal Jon Lee | Ilhwa Co. announced on Dec. 29 that it has signed a supply contract to export its barley carbonated beverage 'Mc Col' to South Africa. By signing a supply agreement with Trilion Cart, a local network group with many large affiliates in South Africa, Ilhwa will officially introduce Mc Col to the African market. The supply agreement totals 200,000 cans. Mc Col is Korea's leading longevity brand, launched in 1982. It is characterized by its cool and refreshing barley flavor. It has rich nutritional ingredients such as vitamins B1, B2, and vitamin C. It is currently exported to the United States, Japan, Russia, and Australia. At the Mc Col supply contract signing ceremony held at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, Ilhwa CEO Kim Yoon-jin and Trilion Cart founder Radebe attended. The representatives of the two companies performed a toast with more than 4,000 festival attendees. "Starting with exports to South Africa, we expect Mc Col to make waves in the African market and raise the profile of K-beverages across the globe," said Kim Yoon-jin, CEO of Ilhwa.
UNJournal By Kayla Lee | Seoul Tourism Organization (STO), led by CEO Gil Ki-yeon, has reorganized the Seoul Lantern Festival & Gwanghwamun Square Market into Season 2 for the New Year 2024. Season 2 will run from January 1 to 21. First of all, the Seoul Lantern Festival will add a media show for the New Year and conduct various experience programs. A projection mapping content 'New Year Media Show' will be held from 9:50 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day until the 21st in the White Hall, a 360-degree sphere representing the universe, wholeness, and earth. Various videos symbolizing the city, people, and nature will be screened under the theme of "White Night in Seoul," the theme of the Seoul Lantern Festival. Video works by media artists that symbolize the present and future of Seoul will also be shown under the theme of the New Year 2024. New Year's online and offline events will also be held for domestic and international tourists. The online event 'Tell me your wish' will be held from January 4 to 8. Everybody can participate on the official Instagram account, and if they write a five-letter New Year's wish in the comments of the event post, they can win a gift icon through a lottery. At the Gwanghwamun Square Experience Zone, new special programs such as making your own lanterns and lucky lottery tickets will be held. Until the 12th, visitors can make paper lanterns by choosing the color of paper they want in the 'Make Your Own Lantern' program. From the 13th to the 21st, visitors can write their New Year's wishes on pre-designed mini cards to create a lucky lottery ticket. The Gwanghwamun Plaza Market will also change some of its sculptures and vendors to showcase new products in line with the New Year's concept. Sculptures symbolizing the new year, such as lucky bags, will be installed, and the wish cards for the Wish Tree event will be replaced with models symbolizing the new year. Gwanghwamun Square Market's popular photo zone, the Gwanghwa Tree, will also be decorated with New Year's greetings. The Seoul Lantern Festival and Gwanghwamun Square Market opened on December 15 last year and will run for 38 days until January 21. By Dec. 31, about 2.12 million people had visited the festival and the Gwanghwamun Plaza Market had generated 830 million won in sales. "We hope that the newly revamped Seoul Lantern Festival and Gwanghwamun Square Market will provide a memorable start to the new year," said Gil Ki-yeon, CEO of Seoul Tourism Organization.
UNJournal Jon Lee | POSCO Group is cooperating with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences of Ho Chi Minh National University to acquire outstanding talents in Vietnam. ] POSCO Group Chairman Jeong-woo Choi inked a memorandum of understanding for industry-academia collaboration with Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences of Ho Chi Minh National University on Dec. 7, focusing on securing outstanding talents for the group’s Vietnamese subsidiaries. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is the premier institution in the humanities and social sciences field in the southern region of Vietnam, and is affiliated with Ho Chi Minh National University, one of Vietnam’s two national universities. With this partnership, POSCO Group aims to proactively secure exceptional talents for the future competitiveness of its Vietnamese subsidiaries by leveraging local internship initiatives and scholarship programs. The collaboration will also expand humanities exchange efforts by nurturing tailored talents aligned with POSCO’s vision through talent exchanges with the Humanities and Social Sciences Department of POSTECH. At the signing ceremony, Chairman Choi emphasized the pivotal role of local talents in the advancement of POSCO Group’s Vietnamese subsidiaries. He said, “Through the partnership with Ho Chi Minh National University, our subsidiaries in Vietnam will transform into prominent local enterprises, secure top talents early on and play a pivotal role in the economic progress of both nations.” Dean Ngo Thi Phuong Lan said, ”Ho Chi Minh National University hosts a Korean Studies department and is set to introduce a Korean Business Administration department (tentatively named). In collaboration with POSCO Group, a globally renowned environmentally friendly future materials leader, we will cultivate talents who are essential not only for POSCO but also for other Korean companies.” Following the event, Chairman Choi met with President Nguyen Thanh Tung of Vabis Tue Duc International College in Ba Ria Vung Tau City, where POSCO Group’s Vietnamese steel subsidiaries previously signed an industry-academia collaboration MOU in August. They reviewed the progress of the collaboration. Under the “Industry-Academia Collaboration MOU for the Cultivation of Outstanding Steel Industry Professionals,” Vabis Tue Duc International College plans to open major courses needed by POSCO Group, such as steel technology along with Korean language, Korean culture, and corporate citizenship, starting in February next year. Moreover, POSCO’s Vietnamese steel subsidiaries will be recruiting top graduates to foster as key field personnel. Chairman Choi said, “With the industry-academia collaboration program, the educational institution will produce talents tailored to the manufacturing sector, while the company will establish a virtuous cycle by fostering key personnel through talent acquisition and global production base deployment programs.”
UNJournal Jon Lee | The Embassy of Cambodia in Seoul and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) jointly held the 2nd Korea-Cambodia Business Forum at the Trade Tower in Seoul on Dec. 21. The forum was attended by Ambassador of Cambodia to Korea Chring Botumrangsay, Executive Vice Chairman Jeong Marn-ki of KITA, Oknha Sok Piseth, vice president of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce and more than 150 Cambodian government officials and Korean businessmen. "The new Cambodian government's aggressive investment promotion policy has created a favorable environment for Korean businessmen to enter Cambodia," said Ambassador Botumrangsay. Delivering welcoming remarks, Ambassador Botumrangsay said, “The Joint Economic Committee Meeting agreement on double taxation avoidance and the Cambodian Korea Free Trade Agreement have been introduced while Korea and Cambodia have also engaged in the regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Noting that Cambodia’s new investment law and its launch of Pentagonal Strategy phase one provide conducive investment environment and create more opportunities for businessmen and investors, she said, “Today’s event will feature the presentation from relevant sectors highlighting a number of aspects relating to business and investment, including Cambodia’s economic outlook, business and investment environment and incentive in Cambodia as well as our human capital and labor law and information technology strategy and the project presentation from the private sector that will highlight exactly how Cambodia could attract your attention.” In an opening speech, Executive Vice Chairman Jeong Marn-ki of KITA said, "With a young population with an average age of 25.6 years, Cambodia is a dynamic country that has sustained 7% economic growth in recent years." Jeong said, "Korean companies are interested in the Cambodian government's active measures to attract investment, such as the new investment law that eliminates discrimination between locals and foreigners." According to the KITA, Korean businessmen are considering Cambodia as their third country in ASEAN after Vietnam and Indonesia. Since the free trade agreement (FTA) between South Korea and Cambodia came into effect in December last year, Korean companies have benefited from the market opening. On the day, Ha Miley, Deputy General Manager of KITA, presented the current state of the Cambodian economy, saying, "Until the improvement of Cambodia's infrastructure and labor productivity reaches a stage that meets the expectations of Korean companies, we need to establish a mid- to long-term investment roadmap by considering other markets and their advantages and disadvantages." Meanwhile, Prof. Cho Yong-beom of the Konkuk University, said, "Cambodia is attracting the attention of investors due to its ICT workforce with an average salary of less than $300 and the government's rapid response to prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution." He added, "Cambodia should make intensive investments in the ICT sector, including the establishment of an ICT core technology research center."
UNJournal Jon Lee (New Year Message) Dear readers of the Diplomacy Journal, I wish all readers of Diplomacy Journal all the best in the coming year 2024. The year 2023 was a very special year for us as it marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Switzerland. It was also the 70th anniversary of Switzerland's presence on the Korean Peninsula as a member of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission. Over the past six decades, our two countries have cultivated a solid partnership in politics, economics, science, technology, business, art and design. On this fertile ground, even more people-to-people and institutional cooperation has blossomed this year. To name just a few of the year's highlights, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and Minister Lee Jong-ho signed a joint declaration aimed at strengthening existing ties between Switzerland and South Korea in all areas of research, particularly digital transformation, biotechnology and quantum technologies. The visit of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Switzerland-Korea, led by National Councillor Christian Wasserfallen, marked an important political exchange. In the field of science and technology, the Embassy's annual lighthouse event, the Swiss-Korean Innovation Week, and the Swiss-Korean Life Science Symposium brought together experts from both countries to explore multidisciplinary issues in innovation and technology. In the economic field, an agreement between the Basel Area Business & Innovation and the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association in South Korea led to more Korean pharmaceutical companies coming to Switzerland. At the KORMARINE maritime technology exhibition, the Swiss pavilion became a hub for exchanges between Swiss hidden champions of marine technology and Korean companies. In the field of art and architecture, the Swiss Pavilions at the Gwangju Biennale and the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism left a lasting impression on the public. A unique "Hangul Helvetica Summit" exhibition added another layer to our font exchange. Throughout the year, the Swiss Embassy building, now affectionately called the "Swiss Hanok," was open not only to professionals from both countries, but also to the Korean public. Many design enthusiasts came to the Embassy for Design Talks on interior design, graphic design and sustainable fashion, and the Christmas Design Market was very popular with visitors and friends of Switzerland. The Swiss Embassy will continue to serve as a platform for even more vibrant exchanges and dialogues, and play our role as a catalyst for deepening the relationship between the two countries in the future. In particular, in 2024, Switzerland and the Republic of Korea will simultaneously become non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, emphasizing joint efforts at the global level for human security and comprehensive peace. We look forward to an extraordinary year in which our two countries will work closely together for global security and peace. May the coming New Year bring peace and joy to us all.