On the occasion of the Finnish Independence Day, Ambassador Kim Luotonen feted Finland's National Day with a Luncheon Party on December 6 at the Lotte Hotel Seoul. Luotonen said: "Year 2006 saw an increased activity in Finnish-Korean relations. I hope these new cooperation arrangements will lead to enhanced activities between research institutions not only in the IT sector but also in biotechnology, nanotechnology and any field where Finnish and Korean scientists, research institutions and companies can benefit from pooling their knowledge and experience together."
UAE Feted with Middle East Ambassadors The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates cut the first tape of festive seasons with its National function on the evening of December 4 at the Lotte Hotel Seoul two days later than the country's National Day. The Seoul diplomatic corps were on hand in large numbers including ambassadors and their wives from the Middle East as well as Africa.
His Majesty the King's Birthday Observed by Thai Embassy
The Royal Thai Embassy observed His Majesty the King's Birthday on the evening of December 5th at the Westin Chosun. Thai Ambassador Vasin Teeravechyan to Korea and Mrs. Daowimol Teeravechyan feted Thailand National Day with many ambassadors and their wives. Ambassadors from other Asian countries attended in high numbers.
SIWA Bazaar: 50 Countries, 5 Senses
The Seoul International Women's Association (SIWA) and Diplomatic Community held their 16th annual International Charity Bazaar called 50 Countries, 5 Senses at the COEX Seoul on November 26, 2006. Major corporations who generously provided cash and product donations included Dong Suh Foods, Hyundai Shipping, Amway, British American Tobacco and many others.
Speech on FTA with US
The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, spoke on The Unites States and Korea: Partners for a Stronger Future at the Amcham Korea and KCCI Joint meeting held on December 12 luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. Regarding the ongoing FTA negotiations between the two countries, he emphasized: "The FTA is the right road for Korea to take to economic power."
Slovovice, Drink of Czech Republic
A Drink with a Soul Exhibition about the history and tradition of Czech slivovitz was run from November 27 through December 15, 2006 at the Castle Praha Restaurant located at Seogyo-dong, Seoul. Czech Ambassador Tomas Smetanka, who was on hand at the opening ceremony, said: "What soju is for Korea and whisky for Scotland, slovovice is for some parts of the Czech Republic."
Staple Security Attack Pattern Trend in 2006
3Com Korea held a press conference on December 13, 2006 regarding the Staple Security Attack Pattern Trend in 2006 by inviting Mr. Rohit Dhamankar, the top editor from SANA newsletter, a worldwide non-profit security research, followed by a year-end party for journalists.
Ukraine FDI Stock to Surge
H.E. Victor Andryovych Yushchenko, President of Ukraine, officially visited Korea by an invitation of President Roh Moohyun, Republic of Korea. Through a luncheon meeting of four domestic economic bodies held on December 19 at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, President Yushchenko stressed: "Our analysis of recent FDI dynamics leads us to believe Ukraine will see its FDI stock surge in the next several years to 3.9% of GDP, surpassing many Central Eastern Europe peers."
Italy Introduces Hams
Italian Ambassador Massimo Andrea Leggeri to Korea held a presentation meeting to introduce Italy's crack ham to Korean market on the evening of December 7 at his residence, located at Hannam-dong, UN Village, Seoul. Italian restaurant owners in Seoul as well as the persons concerned with eating out business circle were on hand in large numbers to taste diverse Italian crack hams.
