By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Embassy of Tajikistan in Seoul hosted a celebration for the country's 34th Independence Day on September 12, 2025. The event brought together Tajik citizens living and studying in the Republic of Korea, as well as Korean friends. In his address, Ambassador Salohiddin Kirom congratulated his compatriots and highlighted the country's progress under President Emomali Rahmon's leadership. He stated that Tajikistan is "moving with firm steps towards its bright and prosperous future, in step with other developed countries." The Ambassador also noted Tajikistan's
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyu-baek met with Commander Samuel J. Paparo of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan on September 14, 2025, and discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and ways to develop the ROK-U.S. alliance. Minister Ahn acknowledged that the Indo-Pacific Command plays a pivotal role in safeguarding not only the security of the Korean Peninsula but also the peace and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized that the Command's importance is particularly significant as it
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by Тulkin Teshabaev, Rector of Tashkent State University of Economics, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, to the Diplomacy Journal for publication through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. –Ed. Today, it can be stated without exaggeration that representatives of the entire business community across the country had been eagerly anticipating traditional Open Dialogue between the Head of state and entrepreneurs. As noted by the President, this is not merely a forum, but a platform for lively and sincere dialogue that pl
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo South Korea's weapons exports to NATO member states over the past five years are second only to those of the U.S., the Korea. Net reported. Korea is an emerging power in the global weapons sector due to swift delivery and competitive pricing. The British weekly Economist on Aug. 31 said this in quoting a report in March by the Sweden-based Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, "Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2024." Korea tied with France from 2020-24 for second place in arms exports to NATO member countries with 6.5% each. The U.S., the wor
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Nestled within the embrace of a mountain temple bathed in sunset light in Miwon-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju City, Chungcheongbuk-do, Byeoksachobuljeongsa Temple opens the door to a new era on October 1. The Diplomatic Art Center, opening on the temple's first floor, is a stage for cultural diplomacy where the spirit of Buddhism, the fragrance of art, and international diplomacy converge. Records of peace with the world The opening commemorative exhibition at the Diplomatic Art Center begins with an international photography exhibition featuring 20 countries. Sce
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Korea-Arab Society co-hosted a seminar titled “Why Our Future Lies in the Middle East?” with the National Assembly's Global Diplomacy and Security Forum on September 11 at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeoui-do, Seoul. Sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the seminar focused on discussing Korea-Middle East cooperation strategies in the core future industries of AI, hydrogen, and defense. Approximately 100 participants attended, including National Assembly members, the Arab diplomatic corps in Korea, business leaders, and student
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) hosted an exclusive closed-door roundtable on September 14 with Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, during his first official visit to Seoul as Deputy Secretary. Held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, the meeting brought together senior executives from leading U.S. and Korean companies across industries including automotive, airlines, healthcare, ICT and digital services, and steel. With Korean investments in the United States continuing to grow, participants engaged in candid discussions on strengtheni
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by Аziza Аminova, Member of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, to the Diplomacy Journal for publication through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. –Ed. The tourism industry, as one of the largest and most profitable sectors of the global economy, accounts for nearly 10 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Ranking third after the automotive and oil and gas industries, it attracts 7 percent of global investments. Tourism is also recognized as a sector that contributes to improving environmental condi
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Seoul Olympic Memorial Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO), led by Chairman Ha Hyung-joo, held a reoperation ceremony on September 16, 2025 for the fountain donated by Korea’s brother nation, Turkiye, during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Held near the Turkiye Fountain in Olympic Park, the event was attended by Chairman Ha Hyung-joo; Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer of the Republic of Turkiye to the Republic of Korea; Songpa-gu Mayor Seo Kang-seok; Songpa Forum Chairman Hong Jae-sung; Kim Yong-jong, Superintendent General of the Songpa Police Station; Kim Na-mi,
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met separately with U.S. Senators Andy Kim (Democrat, New Jersey), Todd Young (Republican, Indiana), and Bill Hagerty (Republican, Tennessee) in Washington on September 10 and 11 (local time), exchanging views on the detention of Korean nationals and measures to improve the visa system to prevent recurrence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on September 12. Minister Cho stated, “Our citizens are deeply concerned about the situation where a large number of our professional personnel, who visited the U.S. to faithfully carry out i
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Minister Bae Kyung-hoon of the Ministry of Science and ICT met with Kazakhstan's Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, in Seoul on September 11 to discuss measures to expand bilateral cooperation in science and technology, including artificial intelligence. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, Kazakhstan has actively engaged with Korea across diverse fields including politics, economy, society, culture, and education, building on multiple rounds of summit diplomacy. In particular, it actively cultivates talent through inter-state e
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Dominican Republic–Korea Business Forum: Strategic Horizons – Exploring a Land of Opportunities for Korean Companies in the Dominican Republic, will be held on September 22, 2025, at the VOCO Myeongdong Hotel, Seoul, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic said. This high-level forum will serve as a platform to strengthen trade and investment ties between our two nations, bringing together Korean entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers with leading Dominican representatives. The program will include a keynote address by Mrs. Biviana Riveiro, Executive D
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the 2025 meeting of the “Council on Policies on UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKO),” chaired by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina on September 11. The meeting was attended by relevant agencies involved in UN peacekeeping operations, including the Ministry of National Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Korean National Police Agency. Pursuant to Article 16 of the “Act on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations,” the PKO Policy Council was established und
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will hold the 14th Workshop for Overseas Honorary Consuls of the Republic of Korea from September 15 to September 20. Launched in 2010, this Workshop aims so that they can provide more effective support in protecting overseas Koreans and in promoting Korea’s diplomatic activities. This year’s Workshop, the 14th of its kind, will bring together honorary consuls from 12 countries. This six-day event will kick off with a welcome reception, followed by a seminar to share best practices, special lectures on Korea’s economy and se
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young Following a meeting in Gangwon Province on September 12, President Lee Jae-myung visited frontline troops to inspect the military's readiness posture and encourage the soldiers. President Lee visited the Chilsung Observation Post of the Army's 7th Infantry Division in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province. There, he surveyed the area near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and guard posts (GP) while receiving a briefing on the military's readiness posture. He also toured the construction site for state-of-the-art barracks. Expressing hope that soldiers would be able to