By UN Journal Lee Jon-young President Lee Jae-myung, on a Middle East and Africa tour, held a dinner meeting with Korean compatriots in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 17 (local time) to encourage Korean nationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Approximately 150 people attended this meeting, including representatives of compatriot organizations, businesspeople, members of the Advisory Council for Democratic Peaceful Reunification, Korean language school officials, cultural and artistic figures, and employees of international organizations. Jang Kwang-deok, President of the Korean Association in the UAE,
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The investment opportunities of Kazakhstan were presented at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Nov. 11 within the framework of the forum “K-Global Synergistic Leap Forum – Central Asia Edition.” The event was organized by Shinhan Bank with the support from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event aimed to strengthen business partnerships between the Republic of Korea and the Central Asian countries, expand trade opportunities, and promote innovative solutions. The forum served as an i
By UN Journal Kayla Lee As the biohealth industry rapidly emerges as a key future growth engine for the nation, the importance of a comprehensive support platform spanning the entire lifecycle is growing rapidly. The Osong Advanced Medical Industry Promotion Foundation (KBIOHealth), located in Osong, Chungcheongbuk-do, is Korea's only comprehensive bio support institution. It supports the entire process from research and development (R&D) through non-clinical studies, clinical trials, prototype production, quality control, licensing, commercialization, and global expansion—ensuring bio pro
By UN Journal Lee Jon-young President Lee Jae-myung departed on a trip from Nov. 17 to 26 to attend the G20 Summit in South Africa and visit three Middle Eastern countries: the UAE, Egypt, and Türkiye. National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac announced the presidential itinerary during a briefing on Nov. 14. President Lee will pay a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the 17th to the 19th, followed by an official visit to Egypt from the 19th to the 21st. He will then attend the G20 Summit in South Africa from the 21st to the 23rd, before making a state visit to Türkiye from the 24t
By UN Journal Lee Gil-ju South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held talks with Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente on November 11 on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, addressing Mexico’s proposed tariff increases, the resumption of Korea–Mexico FTA negotiations, and challenges faced by Korean companies operating in Mexico. Minister Cho welcomed the Mexican government’s recent decision to suspend its planned tariff hikes and expressed hope that Korea would be excluded should Mexico decide to move forward with the increases in the future. He emphasized that more t
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo At a press conference held at the Embassy of Guatemala in Seoul on Nov. 13, Guatemalan Ambassador to Korea Sara Solis highlighted the excellence of Guatemalan coffee and expressed hopes of attracting more Korean tourists to experience the country’s rich culture and natural beauty. The ambassador emphasized that Guatemalan coffee, grown in volcanic soil at high altitudes above 1,500 meters, offers a rich aroma and balanced acidity that perfectly suit Korean tastes. “Koreans have a deep appreciation for quality coffee, and we believe Guatemala’s beans can bring them an
By UN Journal Kayla Lee Praying for the successful hosting of the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, the ‘Concert of Love’ commemorating the 78th anniversary of the establishment of Jamwon-dong Cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul will be held on the evening of November 15 in the main sanctuary. This concert will be open to all, featuring free admission and open seating, designed as an inclusive festival for both parishioners and local residents. Amidst the gentle melodies enveloping late autumn, the parish community will share a time of faith filled with hope and love. Ahead of the 2027
By UN Journal Lee Gil-ju Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, visiting Canada to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held his first bilateral meeting with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on November 11 (local time). Minister Cho congratulated Minister Cooper on her appointment (September 2025) and expressed hope to deepen practical cooperation between the two countries across various fields, including economy and trade, defense and security, and science and technology. He also expressed hope that the ongoing Korea-UK FTA improvement negotiations would be expedited, thereby further strength
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo The 16th Executive Committee meeting of the Secretariat of the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum was held in Seoul, where participants discussed ways to strengthen partnerships between the countries of the region and the Republic of Korea. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the Forum Secretariat, and the Embassies of the Central Asian countries. The agenda covered the 2025 activities of the Secretariat and the main priorities for 2026, including preparations for the first Central Asia
By UN Journal Kayla Lee At the 80th session of the UNGA First Committee, two resolutions submitted by the Republic of Korea (ROK) were adopted on Thursday, November 6, with overwhelming support from UN Member States: “Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain and its Implications for International Peace and Security,” co-tabled by the ROK and the Netherlands, and “Youth, Disarmament and Non-proliferation,” tabled solely by the ROK, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The “Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain and its Implications for International Peace and Security” resolution
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo A solemn event dedicated to 8 November-Victory Day was held in Seoul, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Korea. The Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Korea, Ramin Hasanov, delivered a heartfelt speech to those gathered at the event. He began by emphasizing that Azerbaijan’s victory in the Patriotic War in 2020 not only ended occupation of Azerbaijani territories after more than 30 years of historical injustice, but also created the conditions necessary for peace in the region. He explained that the end of the occupation
By UN Journal Kayla Lee Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held his first telephone conversation with Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen on November 5, exchanging views on bilateral relations and the international situation. Minister Cho noted the strengthening of substantive cooperation between South Korea and Finland in areas such as the defense industry and key minerals, and expressed his hope that they would deepen cooperation across all sectors through active high-level exchanges. Minister Valtonen congratulated Minister Cho on his inauguration and praised South Korea's successful
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young held a meeting with the new EU Ambassador to South Korea Ugo Astuto on Nov. 5 and requested the EU Ambassador to appoint an EU-level special envoy for the Korean Peninsula. During a meeting with Ambassador Astuto at the Government Complex Seoul that morning, Minister Chung explained the Seoul government's policy initiatives to restore trust and foster a peaceful environment between the two Koreas. He stated, "Dialogue and negotiation are necessary to transform the Korean Peninsula into a peaceful environment," and requested act
By UN Journal Lee Jon-young President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Nov. 2 and agreed to establish a "strategic partnership" between the two countries, deepening cooperation in the areas of economy and security. Following the summit with Prime Minister Wong at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, President Lee issued a joint press release stating, "We agreed that the international order that has supported global growth and prosperity is being shaken, and that strategic cooperation between our two countries is crucial in the face of global challenge
By UN Journal Belarus Correspondent Kim Sun-ah Minsk, the capital of Belarus. For those living here, Lake Zaslavskaye is simply a nearby retreat. However, the lake, nicknamed the "Minsk Sea," has become a magnet for both city dwellers and tourists. Located just 5km from downtown Minsk, the lake offers the perfect escape for those seeking a seaside escape in the city. Lake Zaslavskaye was created in 1956 to prevent flooding and secure water resources. This artificial reservoir, created at the time, has held special significance from its very existence. Covering an area of approximately 31.1 squ