Diplomacy Journal Kim Tae Yeon  |   On the evening of June 23, President Lee Jae-myung hosted a dinner at Cheong Wa Dae’s Nokjiwon (Green Garden at the Office of the President), inviting diplomatic envoys from various countries of the world and representatives of international organizations stationed in Korea.

This marks the first time in approximately one year, since the Liberation Day last year, that President Lee has invited the entire diplomatic corps to a dinner. It also marks the first time in seven years, since 2019, that an event for the diplomatic corps has been held at Cheong Wa Dae’s Nokjiwon.

Approximately 160 persons attended the dinner, including Ambassador Shafiq Rachadi, dean of the Seoul Diplomatic Corps (Ambassador of Morocco), ambassadors from 112 resident missions (including ambassador-designates and acting ambassadors), representatives of 18 international organizations, relevant ministers, and heads of honorary consuls in Korea. They shared their commitment to friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the international community. Consecutive G7 Attendance Strengthens Status as a Global Pillar

In his welcoming remarks, President Lee Jae-myung expressed his gratitude to the governments and people of Belgium, the European Union (EU), Italy, the Holy See, and France for their cooperation in the successful conclusion of his recent first European tour.

He also highly praised the efforts of the diplomatic corps in Korea, which served as a bridge on the front lines to facilitate over 100 meetings and gatherings with leaders from more than 50 countries over the past year.
President Lee stated, "By attending the G7 Summit for two consecutive years, the Republic of Korea is establishing itself as a responsible partner in the international community," and added, "We will continue to cooperate even more closely with the international community based on shared values ​​of freedom, peace, and prosperity."

Confirmation of Trust in the Republic of Korea as a Powerhouse in Diplomacy, Economy, and Culture
Ambassador Shafik Rachadi, Head of the Seoul Diplomatic Corps, proposed a toast on behalf of the diplomatic corps, wishing for peace, prosperity, and friendship between the Republic of Korea and the international community.

Following this, French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux, Ghanaian Ambassador to Korea Gojo Choi, Indian Ambassador to Korea Goralal Das, and U.S. Acting Ambassador to Korea James Heller expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation with the Republic of Korea, which has grown into a diplomatic, economic, and cultural powerhouse, through their remarks.

The attending diplomatic envoys assessed that Korea’s ‘Jeong’ culture, democratic development, and experience of economic growth are deeply resonating with and inspiring the international community.
Highly appreciating the Republic of Korea’s role amidst global crises:

The diplomatic envoys assessed that, amidst increasing complex global challenges such as supply chain restructuring, artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, and international conflicts, the Republic of Korea is growing into a leading nation that upholds international norms and multilateralism and contributes to solving global problems.

In particular, they emphasized that the Republic of Korea is playing a crucial role as a global pivotal nation contributing to the common prosperity of the international community, based on its economic strength, technological prowess, and democratic experience.

The government plans to continue communicating closely with the diplomatic corps in Korea to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and solidarity with various countries and the international community.