- Transport and Logistics Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and the US: A New Stage of Strategic Partnership
- Uzbekistan ranks First in Central Asia by Tourism Development Growth Rate
- Korea and Morocco continue to increase win-win cooperation, friendship
- South Korea, Brazil Elevate Ties Following President Lee's State Visit to Brasília
- South Korea, Uzbekistan Hold Fourth Consular Consultation After 12-Year Gap
- Ambassador Steel says, "The two countries must jointly try to realize President Trump's vision for enhanced alliance"
- Uzbekistan and United States Deepen Cultural Ties Through Decade of Exchange
- President Lee Jae-myung Begins Official Visit to Chile, Highlights Cooperation in Critical Minerals, Clean Energy and AI
- Peru Marks 205th Independence Anniversary with Official Reception in Seoul
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Zen Window of Damhwa “One page today illuminates the path of tomorrow.”
A reflection on the ancient concept of "Deunghwa Gachin" — the warmth of learning by lamplight — and what it means for students, families, and a society that too often values results over effort.
Diplomacy Journal John Lee | Let’s light a lamp again in our society! There is a saying that as the autumn night deepens, it is good to be close to a book under a lamp. This is the concept of 'Deunghwa Gachin' (燈火可親), which meansm "Fraternity grows near candle light. To the people of age, a lamp was not merely a light to dispel darkness. It was a light of hope that illuminated the path of learning, allowed for self-reflection, and enabled preparation for the future. What is a lamp to us today? For a student preparing for an exam, it could be a single book spread out late into the night; for parents, it could be the heart that patiently waits for their children. For an office worker, it is the sincerity of fulfilling daily responsibilities; and for someone rising again amidst difficulties, it is the small hope of not giving up. Students preparing for exams, trust in today’s page. For a student facing an exam, each day is long and heavy. There are times when grades do not improve as expected, and times when one’s resolve wavers as they compare themselves to friends. However, studying is not something that is accomplished overnight. It is the accumulation of small acts of dedication—reading a page, solving a problem, and reviewing the ones you got wrong—that eventually becomes skill. Just because there are no visible results right now does not mean today's effort disappears. Those who read one more line, even when they think it is too late, are the ones who ultimately pave their own path. What exam candidates need is consistency rather than perfection. Taking just one step forward from yesterday is enough. Exams are important gateways in life, but they are not the final door that determines one's entire life. Therefore, you must not lose your focus today due to fear of the outcome. A lamp does not illuminate a distant place all at once. It merely lights the one step ahead that you must take right now. Studying and life are the same. Family is an unextinguishable lamp for one another. The teaching of "The lamplight is dear to one another" is not necessary only for exam candidates. Our society is overflowing with words of comparison and urging rather than words of encouragement. Parents' hearts become particularly anxious when their children are facing important exams. However, sometimes, rather than the question, "What score did you get?" A simple phrase like, “You worked hard today,” holds greater strength. Family should be a lamp that illuminates each other’s hearts from the closest proximity. If a home is one where parents wait for their children when they waver, where children offer a warm word when parents are weary, and where a couple acknowledges each other’s efforts, then a bright lamp is already lit there. People do not live solely by their own strength. The mere fact that someone believes in you brings you back to your desk, allows you to return to work, and helps those who have fallen rise again. In Buddhism, the true lamp refers to the teachings of the Buddha, who instructed us to live by using ourselves and the Dharma as our lamps, rather than seeking answers only from the outside. There is inherently a lamp within our hearts as well. It is simply that its light becomes invisible when greed, comparison, anxiety, and worry intensify. If you calm your mind and silently perform the duties you must do, that lamp will shine brightly once again. Practice is no different from study. Small actions—thinking a positive thought once a day, enduring one more moment, and offering a warm word to one person—accumulate to build a person's character. Great success, too, begins with small, steady efforts. Today's Korea needs the spirit of "Lanterns and Kindness." Rather than demanding quick results, we must encourage those who work diligently; give those who have fallen slightly behind in the competition a chance to start over; and respect those who faithfully hold their ground rather than only looking to the successful. The true light of our society is not eloquent words. The heart of a teacher waiting for a student in the classroom, the heart of a parent waiting for their child to return home late at night, the sweat of a young person doing their best in their place, and the warmth of a person quietly extending a hand to neighbors in need—these are the lamps that illuminate the world. A single person's small light may seem weak, but when those lights gather, they can illuminate the darkness of the world. A word from the Master of Teachings: “A lamp does not blame the darkness; it lights itself.” Students taking exams, do not despair if they do not see the results today. A single page read today becomes the wisdom of tomorrow, And a single drop of sweat shed today becomes the power to open the door to the future. Parents, please also become a lamp for your children. Believe in others rather than rush them, and encourage them rather than compare them. And let us all become a small lamp to one another. The light of a lamp is close. Keeping a lamp close does not merely mean keeping books close. It means keeping learning close, keeping hope close, and keeping good people and good hearts close. I pray that the small lamp lit tonight will illuminate the dreams of the students taking their exam, light the hearts of a family, and ultimately brightly illuminate the future of our society.
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The Republic of Korea and the Federal Republic of Malaysia are very special countries to each other.
From the signing of a groundbreaking free trade agreement to a history of infrastructure sharing and expanding people-to-people exchanges, relations between South Korea and Malaysia are entering a new phase of future-oriented cooperation.
Diplomacy Journal Kim Tae Yeon | President Lee Jae Myung held his first Summit Meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on October 27 last year. The Korean and Malaysian leaders welcomed the conclusion of the Korea-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, focusing on future strategic industries such as the defense industry, digital technologies, and AI. As part of his first ASEAN tour since taking office, President Lee visited Malaysia, the ASEAN Chair that year, and held a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. President Lee emphasized that the visit was "a meaningful occasion that will elevate our relationship with Malaysia, a long-standing friendly nation and strategic partner." Prime Minister Anwar welcomed the visit, saying, "I deeply appreciate President Lee's visit, despite his busy schedule preparing for the APEC Summit." Prime Minister Anwar stated, "This summit will serve as a significant opportunity for a qualitative leap forward in Korea-Malaysia relations as well as Korea-ASEAN cooperation." The two leaders particularly welcomed the recently concluded Korea-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and agreed to expand cooperation beyond trade and investment to include new industries such as digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI). During the meeting, Prime Minister Anwar stated: "Korea is a trustworthy and important partner in strengthening Malaysia's defense capabilities. I look forward to further strengthening our cooperation with Korea through the signing of this MOU in the defense industry." President Lee also expressed his willingness to actively expand cooperation, citing the significant potential for cooperation between the two countries across future-oriented industries, including the defense industry, smart infrastructure and energy transition. The two leaders shared the same view on the Korean government's efforts to achieve peace and shared prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. President Lee requested support and cooperation from Malaysia and ASEAN. Prime Minister Anwar responded, "I fully support Korea's policy on the Korean Peninsula, and ASEAN and the international community will actively support peace-building efforts together." The two leaders also respected each other's experiences and national visions for democracy and socio-economic development, and agreed to continue developing bilateral relations based on mutual trust and friendship. President Lee and Prime Minister Anwar expressed their commitment to continue summit exchanges and deepen the Korea-Malaysia relationship in a future-oriented manner. The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Korean diplomatic sources have a very favorable view of Malaysia and the bilateral win-win cooperation between the two countries. Cooperation and interaction between Korea and Malaysia are also very brisk. President Lee Jae-myung, visiting Malaysia at that time, announced on October 27th (local time) that he and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia have agreed to conclude the Korea-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement. The Office of the President in Seoul stated that President Lee achieved this outcome during his first summit with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The two leaders welcomed the conclusion of FTA negotiations between Korea and Malaysia through this summit and expressed expectations that, based on this, trade and investment between the two countries--as key economic partners in the region--will expand further, and cooperation in strategic industries such as digital and AI will accelerate. President Lee told Prime Minister Anwar, “It is very meaningful to visit Malaysia, this year’s ASEAN chair and a long-standing friendly nation, as my first ASEAN country visit.” Prime Minister Anwar expressed gratitude for President Lee’s visit to Malaysia amid preparations for the APEC summit. Prime Minister Anwar evaluated, “President Lee’s visit to Malaysia will provide significant momentum for elevating Korea-Malaysia relations and Korea-ASEAN relations to a new level.” He added, “Korea is a trusted and important partner in strengthening Malaysia’s defense capabilities,” and stated that he looks forward to strengthening cooperation in the defense sector with Korea, starting with the signing of this defense MOU. Meanwhile, President Lee requested Malaysia’s support and cooperation for the South Korean government’s efforts to open a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula. In response, Prime Minister Anwar said, “We support the South Korean government’s policy on the Korean Peninsula and will actively cooperate with the international community, including ASEAN, to ensure that the South Korean government’s efforts to build peace on the Korean Peninsula bear fruit.” Economic cooperation and exchanges between Korea and Malaysia are very brisk. According to a report by Business Day on Nov. 26, 2024, Malaysia-Korea Business Forum 2024 was held as a platform for enhancing bilateral cooperation, saw the participation of 147 Korean companies across diverse sectors. Among these, 60 companies were involved in manufacturing, 78 in services, retail, and distribution, and 9 business associations. The event spotlighted key strategic sectors, including green technology, ICT services, pharmaceuticals, construction and engineering, food and beverage products, as well as textiles. Together, both nations aim to foster economic collaboration and investment, positioning themselves for a sustainable future. Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) of Malaysia underscored the continued strengthening of bilateral trade relations. Emphasizing the growth in exports of semiconductor products, electrical and electronics (E&E), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and halal-certified goods, he highlighted the significant potential of these industries. The forum also marked a focus on investment opportunities in industries such as aerospace, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and Malaysia’s halal-certified products, which are gaining increasing attention in the global market. The growing strategic collaboration between the two countries aims to open new doors for sustainable investment and economic growth, ensuring both nations benefit from emerging global market opportunities. The Malaysia-Korea Business Forum 2024, held as a platform for enhancing bilateral cooperation, saw the participation of 147 Korean companies across diverse sectors. Among them, 60 companies were involved in manufacturing, 78 in services, retail, and distribution, and 9 business associations. The event spotlighted key strategic sectors, including green technology, ICT services, pharmaceuticals, construction and engineering, food and beverage products, as well as textiles. Together, both nations aim to foster economic collaboration and investment, positioning themselves for a sustainable future. Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz of Malaysia underscored the continued strengthening of bilateral trade relations. Emphasizing the growth in exports of semiconductor products, electrical and electronics (E&E), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and halal-certified goods, he highlighted the significant potential of these industries. The forum also marked a focus on investment opportunities in industries such as aerospace, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and Malaysia’s halal-certified products, which are gaining increasing attention in the global market. The growing strategic collaboration between Korea and Malaysia aims to open new doors for sustainable investment and economic growth, ensuring both nations benefit from emerging global market opportunities. Korea and Malaysia have a long-standing friendship. Although not known to many, shortly after Korea and Malaysia established their diplomatic relations in 1960, Malaysia contributed to the funding for building a bridge named ‘Malaysia Bridge’ in a village in Gyeonggi Province of Korea, near the border with North Korea. Then in the 1980s, a Korean construction and engineering company built the ‘Penang Bridge’ connecting the island of Penang with Peninsula Malaysia. Korean companies also took part in building Kuala Lumpur's iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Likewise, Korea and Malaysia are close friends who achieved economic and social development together over more than sixty years. Korea and Malaysia are mutually important and reliable partners. Malaysia is Korea's 13th largest trade partner and Korea is Malaysia's 8th largest trade partner, with total trade volume exceeding USD 20 billion in 2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the early 1980s, the government of Malaysia has been pursuing cooperation with Korea with great importance under the Look East Policy (LEP). In 2023, Korea and Malaysia commemorated the LEP's 40th Anniversary and also planned together the next 40 years ahead. Korea and Malaysia are very familiar neighbors. Korean music or K-pop, K-dramas, and movies are much loved in Malaysia, along with a wide variety of Korean products ranging from food, fashion, cosmetics, and electronic devices. Malaysia is one of the favorite destinations for Koreans travelling overseas. The total number of visitors between Korea and Malaysia reached the one-million mark for the first time in 2019 and the countries are now seeing the number of people-to-people exchanges recovering as they are moving towards the endemic phase with the relaxed travel restrictions. There are many Korean business companies in Malasia, contributing to the promotion of win-win cooperation between the two countries. They include the following companies: YCP Engineering Services(M) Sdn. Bhd., Samsung C&T (KL), Ssangyong Engineering & Construction Co., Samsung Engineering, Daewoo Corporation, POSCO Plant Engineering, Hyosung Corporation, Taihan Electric Wire Co., Ltd., Samsung Heavy Industries, Hyundai Corporation, SK Networks Trading, SK Networks Magic, Astro GS Shop, Wonpoong, GS Global, Korea Petroleum. Geumhong Korea Ginseng, Coway(M)Sdn., LG Electronics, Chungho Nais, POSCO Daewoo, Pro Cahaya Global Sdn, Samsung C&T(M) Sdn., Daesan Global, Daekyo Malaysia Sdn., Hyundai Merchant Marine, Dongnama Shipping, Pantos Logistics, SGA Techcordia, YK Solid Global, Raytech Medical Malaysia, YH Precision(M)Sdn., Hyundai Mobis, Kia Motors, DMJ Eng & Const, OCIM Sdn, Samsung SDI, Samsung Electronics Display, Shin Heung Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Seoul Electronics & Telecommunications(M) Sdn., Samchang Precision (M), Hankook Tire, Nano Mechatronics Sdn., POSCO-MKPC Sdn., Kiswel Sdn., Sewang Precision, Youngreem Electronics, Kumkang Kind(M) Sdn., Jeil Electronics, Samsung Corning, Hyundai Elevator, Dongkuk Techco Rubber, Hyundai Motors, SK, Samhwa Paints (M), Poongsan (M) Sdn., Hanwha Q-Cells, Lotte Chemical, Kiswire, Daelim, Dongwha Malaysia, and Haxim Electronics.
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President Lee receives credentials, asks for an active role as a bridge to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields
--President Lee emphasizes close communication and trust amidst rapidly changing international circumstances; urges them to act as a bridge to expand mutually beneficial cooperation. --President Lee expresses expectations from U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel to serve as a "reliable bridge for the development of ROK-U.S. alliance and the resolution of bilateral issues." --Lee discusses included the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Portugal, the special strategic partnership with the UAE, Ireland's G20, and EU cooperation
Diplomacy Journal Kim Tae Yeon | On the morning of August 12, President Lee Jae-myung received at the Office of the President in Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul credentials from the newly appointed resident ambassadors of four countries--the United States, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Ireland. The presentation of credentials ceremony is an official diplomatic procedure in which the Head of State of the sending country conveys credentials, conferred by their own new ambassador, to the Head of State of the host country. This ceremony marked the fifth such event held since the launch of the People's Sovereignty Government in Seoul. The four ambassadors who presented their credentials on this day were Banda Maria Diaz Stelger Széqueira, the Portuguese ambassador to Korea; Jamal Abdullah Mohamed bin Abdulwahab Al Suwaidi, the United Arab Emirates ambassador to Korea; Michelle Steel, the U.S. ambassador to Korea; and Sean Hoy, the Irish ambassador to Korea. Following the credential presentation ceremony, President Lee held individual meetings with each ambassador to congratulate them on their appointments to Korea. He then urged the new ambassadors to serve as an active bridge to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields between the two countries, based on close communication and deep trust, even amidst rapidly changing international circumstances. The 65th anniversary of Korea-Portugal diplomatic relations, expansion of substantive cooperation: Ambassador Széqueira of Portugal assessed that, marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Portugal this year, exchanges between the peoples and businesses of the two nations are actively taking place. However, noting that there is room for further development in bilateral relations, particularly in high-level exchanges, he stated that as the ambassador of Portugal to Korea, he would strive to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields. Development of the Korea-UAE Special Strategic Partnership: Ambassador Al Suwaidi of the United Arab Emirates in Seoul assessed that President Lee’s state visit to the UAE last November served as a significant turning point that took bilateral relations to the next higher level. He further conveyed his intention to do his utmost to ensure that the special strategic partnership between Korea and the UAE develop in a more future-oriented direction through preparations for President Mohammed’s successful return visit. Ireland strengthens communication with Korea as G20 and EU rotating chair: Ambassador Hoy of Ireland to Korea stated that he considers it a great honor to present his credentials as the ambassador of Ireland to Korea. Ambassador Hoy said that he would strive to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, based on the high potential for cooperation between the two countries. He also expressed hopes that Ireland would communicate closely with Korea as a G20 invited country and the rotating chair of the European Union (EU) in the second half of this year. Ambassador Michelle Steel of the United States in Seoul said: “Promoting mutual understanding and friendly cooperation between Korea and the U.S. is my responsibility." Ambassador Steel expressed her great pleasure in assuming her post in Korea. She stated that she would strive to engage in broad communication with the Korean government and people to promote mutual understanding and friendly cooperation between the two nations. President Lee expressed his expectation that Ambassador Steel, who possessed a deep understanding of the Korean culture and society, will serve as a reliable bridge in further strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance. President Lee also emphasized that various pending issues between the ROK and the U.S. could be smoothly resolved through reasonable and active dialogue and cooperation, and that the ROK-U.S. relationship would be further advanced based on this process. The credentials presentation ceremony is expected to serve as an opportunity to reaffirm trust with key allies and expand substantive cooperation in various fields, including diplomacy, security, economy and culture.
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Artist Jeon Byung-Hee to hold 20th solo exhibition "Drawing with the Heart"
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Zen Window of Damhwa “One page today illuminates the path of tomorrow.”
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The Republic of Korea and the Federal Republic of Malaysia are very special countries to each other.
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President Lee receives credentials, asks for an active role as a bridge to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields
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Korea-Uzbekistan full-scale economic cooperation expected to ensure success of Bilateral Summit
