By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo “Filipinos and Koreans share a common love for family and festivals or festivities where the family gathers together. Many of these festivities involve both the preparation of and the enjoyment of traditional food which we also share,” said Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega of the Philippines to Korea on May 26, 2025. In an exclusive interview with the Diplomacy Journal at the Embassy of the Philippines in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Amb. Dizon-de Vega said, “There are just some differences in the way we prepare them. I often focus more on similarities between the Philippines a
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul to the UN Journal for publication. –Ed. Today, Uzbekistan is demonstrating positive progress in the field of public service reform. Initiatives focused on digitalization, transparency, and professionalism are contributing to the overall improvement in the quality of civil service delivery. It is no coincidence that the United Nations Public Service Forum 2025 will be held in Uzbekistan from June 23 to 25. Beyond its primary mission, the forum will also serve as a platform to present Uzbekistan
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul to the UN Journal for publication. –Ed. In recent years, Uzbekistan has undertaken large-scale reforms aimed at transforming its public administration and civil service systems. The primary goal has been to build an efficient, transparent, and citizen-oriented governance model. The progress and potential achieved in this area will be showcased at the UN Public Service Forum, to be held in Samarkand in June 2025. This will be the first time Uzbekistan hosts this prestigious forum, which reflect
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul to the UN Journal for publication. –Ed. From June 23 to 25, 2025, the city of Samarkand will host the United Nations Public Service Forum (UNPSF 2025). The central theme of this prestigious international event is “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating the Delivery of Public Services for a Sustainable Future.” The forum is organized jointly by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Hosting the forum offers Uzbekistan a
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul to the UN Journal for publication. –Ed. The United Nations Public Service Forum (UNPSF) is an international-level event held under the auspices of the United Nations, aimed at promoting innovation, efficiency, and sustainable development in public service. The forum is organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and has been held annually since 2003 to develop strategies for advancing public service in support of sustainable development. Traditionally, the forum foc
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 Kayla Lee Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), and the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced that the five-day Korea Week (May 13–17) took off on May 13 at 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo, starting with Korea Day. Approximately 350 visitors attended the Korea Day event launched on May 13, including a total of 30 government officials and business leaders of both countries. The Korea Day event consisted of a series of progra
By UN Journal Kayla Lee The 41st APEC Automotive Dialogue (AD) opened on May 9–10 at the International Convention Center Jeju (ICC Jeju) on the sidelines of the APEC Second Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM2), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced. The APEC AD is a public-private forum for the sharing of major policy issues and industrial trends among APEC members’ governments and auto industries to seek measures for cooperation. Launched in 1999, it serves as APEC’s major communication channel on diverse automotive areas spanning electric mobility, aut
By UN Journal Kayla Lee The Korean government awarded former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Philip Goldberg the Gwanghwa Order, the highest diplomatic honor, on May 6. (local time) Korean Ambassador to the United States Cho Hyun-dong handed over the crown to Goldberg at the U.S. Embassy in Washington, D.C. The Order of Diplomatic Friendship is the highest award given to those who have contributed to diplomatic relations. Goldberg arrived in South Korea in July 2022, during the administration of former President Joe Biden, and served until January of this year, just before the U.S. re
By UN Journal Kayla Lee Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul exchanged congratulatory letters with Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda on April 25 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Korea and Bolivia forged diplomatic relations on April 25, 1965. In his letter, Minister Cho highlighted that the two countries have steadily enhanced bilateral cooperation across various fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1965. He also recalled the recent visit of his Special Envoy to B
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