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 Kayla Lee Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor, has died on April 21 at the age of 88, the AP reported. The pope, who had recently been hospitalized and recovered due to severe pneumonia, was resuming his activities after returning to the Vatican. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in an announcement. Francis, who suffered
By UN Journal Kayla Lee Samsung Electronics announced on April 14 the addition of five new Young Leaders to Generation17, an initiative in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that supports young changemakers driving progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the ‘Global Goals.’ Generation17 is an initiative from Samsung and UNDP that elevates the voices of Young Leaders who are changing the world and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or ‘Global Goals.’ They are Brigitta Gunawan of Indonesia,
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 Kayla Lee The government of the Republic of Korea welcomed the adoption by consensus at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) on April 3 (Geneva time) of a resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), which was co-sponsored by 54 countries including the Republic of Korea. The adoption of the resolution by consensus for ten consecutive years testifies to the international community’s concern over the dire human rights situation in the DPRK and sends a united message from the international community cal
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 Kayla Lee United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met on April 3 in Brussels to strengthen trilateral cooperation in advancing the safety, security, and prosperity of our three countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region, while upholding shared principles including the rule of law. The Secretary and Foreign Ministers emphasized the importance of NATO’s cooperation with Indo-Pacific Partners to ensure the ability to swiftly respond to security developments and challenges in the Euro
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
By UN Journal Kayla Lee Lee Jooil, Director-General for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who visited Madrid, Spain, held the 5th meeting of the Korean and Spanish Directors-General for Latin American and Caribbean affairs with Francisco Javier Gasso Matoses, Director-General for Ibero-America and the Caribbean at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on March 19. The two directors-general exchanged views on the rapidly changing global environment and the consequent changes in the Latin American situation. They also discussed foreign policies toward La
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Young-rok met with Mongolian Ambassador to Korea Sukhbold Sukhee in the provincial building on March 20 to discuss ways to promote friendly exchanges for mutual prosperity. “Mongolia is a country with vast territory, abundant mineral resources and green energy resources, and we look forward to exchanges in various fields of economy and trade, education, culture and tourism,” Gov. Kim said. He went on to introduce various international events held in Jeonnam and the cultural industries of the province, calling for interest. Major international