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 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 On September 8, 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address, “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Key Tasks and Their Solutions through Digital Transformation.” The Head of State presented an ambitious program of reforms centered on digital transformation, investment, global connectivity, and institutional renewal. At the heart of the address was Kazakhstan’s determination to lead in the AI era. President Tokayev announced the creation of a new Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development,
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee Energy ministers from the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathered in South Korea on Aug. 27 to discuss energy security amid surging electricity demand driven by the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced industries, the energy ministry said. The APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting kicked off in Busan, about 325 kilometers southeast of Seoul, for a two-day run, bringing together energy ministers and vice ministers from APEC member countries, including the United States, China, Japan, Indonesia, Canada, Mexico, Au
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The Ministry of Environment held the 8th Korea-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Joint Committee on Water Resources Cooperation at the Han River Flood Control Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on August 27. In February 2024, the UAE, under the leadership of the President, launched the “Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative” to address the global water shortage crisis, devoting national capacity to developing innovative and sustainable water management solutions and strengthening international cooperation. In April of the same year, record rainfall caused damage in the Dubai area,
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee South Korea, the United States, and Japan issued a joint statement expressing concern over the malicious activities of North Korean information technology personnel and pledging to strengthen countermeasures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Aug. 27. North Korea continues to dispatch its IT workers around the world to generate revenue, which funds its unlawful weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea express serious concern
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The following article was contributed by Sharapov A.A., Candidate of Political Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, University of World Economy and Diplomacy (Republic of Uzbekistan) and Pulatov J.N., Lecturer, Department of International Relations, University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Tashkent (Republic of Uzbekistan) through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. –Ed. Looking back at the process of formation of states and their role in international relations, one can note the existence of various theories and approaches in
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a historic resolution entitled the “Role of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating new opportunities for sustainable development in Central Asia”, initiated by the Republic of Tajikistan, on July 25, 2025. It is worth noting that this proposal was originally put forward by the Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, during the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2024. Sup
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in cooperation with the King Sejong Institute Foundation, hosted the World Korean Educator Conference 2025 from July 21 to July 24 at the Hotel Shilla Seoul. Marking its 17th year, the World Korean Educator Conference is a training program designed to strengthen the expertise of Korean language educators by inviting King Sejong Institute instructors from both Korea and overseas, and providing them with the latest teaching methods and resources. This year’s event brought together more than 300 Korean language educators,
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo “Today is the USA is the ‘hottest’ and most respected country anywhere in the world,” said U.S. President Trump in the Truth Social post celebrating 6 months of his second term on July 20, 2025. He said, “One year ago our country was dead, with almost no hope of revival. Six months is not a long time to have totally revived a major country. However, we got a lot of good and great things done, including ending numerous wars of countries not related to us other than through trade and/or, in certain cases, friendship.” U.S. President Trump said, “Today is that six
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The Seoul government officially announced on July 16 that South Korea had been selected as the host country for the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting scheduled to be held in July 2026. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong said in a briefing that day, “This decision is a result of the international community recognizing South Korea's leading role in the protection of world cultural heritage and international cultural cooperation.” This will be the first time that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will be held in South Korea. Spokesperson Kang empha
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Jeju Peace Institute, successfully hosted the “2025 East Asia Cooperation Forum” in Seoul on July 15. This year marks the fourth iteration of the forum, which was themed “Future Cooperation in East Asia Amidst a Changing World.” Approximately 300 participants, including private-sector experts from major countries in the region, representatives from international organizations, diplomatic missions, and forum supporters, attended the event. The East Asia Cooperation Forum is a Track 2 forum aimed at diagnos
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The Preparatory Office for APEC 2025 held the First Advance Visit for 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting for delegates from 20 APEC member economies from July 9 to July 10, 2025. The First Advance Visit was chaired by Senior Managing Director Kim Ji-Joon and attended by over 120 participants, including delegations from APEC member economies and officials from relevant authorities. Korea will host the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju in the second half of 2025, marking 20 years since its last hosting of the event in Busan in 2005. On the first day,
By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Climate Change in Seoul on July 1, 2025. It was organized by the Korea Institute of Energy Research and supported by the Seoul Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, the Korea Startup Accelerator and Early Stage Investors Association, and the Chungnam Content Agency. As AI technologies play an increasingly significant role in addressing climate change and accelerating the energy transition, this conference brought together over 450 participants—including
By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo The Eurasian Economic Forum was held in Minsk from June 27 to 28, reaffirming Belarus’s role as a central venue for strategic Eurasian dialogue. The high-level international gathering has brought together heads of government, senior officials, business leaders, and experts from across the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and key partner countries. In his opening address, President of the Republic of Belarus, H.E. Aleksandr Lukashenko, emphasized the importance of building a multipolar, just world order based on equal cooperation and mutual respect. The Head of Be