By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Kim Min-jong, president of Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT), met with Chilean Ambassador to Korea Mathias Francke at the KIMFT office in Busan in April.

They discussed cooperation in the field of maritime education and training and sign a business agreement, the KIMFT announced on May 13.

The visit was aimed at signing a business agreement between the KIMFT and the Chilean Ministry of Defense for continued cooperation in the field of maritime education and training, including mutual cooperation in lectures and training activities, information exchange, practical maritime training for trainees, curriculum development, and teacher/instructor exchange.

On the day, the Ambassador of Chile to Korea and the Defense Attaché of Chile received a briefing on the main tasks and projects of the institute, and showed interest in the ODA projects such as the 'International Shipboard Training Program' and the 'Capacity Building Program for Stakeholders of Asian and Latin American Maritime Professionals'.

Following the MOU ceremony, they toured the latest simulation training equipment (SHS, Green Ship, Tanker Familiarization, etc.) and training facilities such as the Comprehensive Safety Emergency Training Center and the Comprehensive Fire Extinguishing Training Center.

“We expect that the cooperation between the two organizations will be further developed through this agreement, and we hope that it will serve as a practical basis for maritime professional development and educational exchange,” said KIMFT President Kim.