By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul visited the Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF) on January 30 and met with KEF Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik. The purpose of his visit was to listen to the voices of Korean companies in the field regarding the expansion of overseas expansion. 

Chairman Sohn emphasized the increasingly important role of diplomacy in the face of growing uncertainty in relations with the four neighboring countries of Japan, China, Russia, and the U.S. which is ahead of the presidential election, and requested that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively support Korean companies in navigating the difficult situation.

Noting the importance of relations with the four neighboring countries, as well as the tense inter-Korean relations, Cho said that the responsibility he feels as Foreign Minister is enormous, and that his series of meetings with business organizations since the beginning of the year is an expression of the ministry's willingness to play a supportive role in helping Korean companies adapt to the rapidly changing external environment and navigate the economic downturn. 

Cho encouraged the ministry to explore various ways to cooperate with the KEF, led by Chairman Sohn, who has extensive contacts with political and business leaders in the U.S., Japan and other major countries, to support Korean companies' overseas expansion. 

Cho added, “The ministry will continue to communicate with business organizations and strengthen economic diplomacy to help Korean companies expand overseas.