The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Korea feted the country's Queen's Day in the Ambassador's Dongbinggo-dong residence, Seoul on April 30. Dutch envoy Dr. Hans Heinsbroek, his American wife Mrs. Donna Heinsbroek, and deputy head of mission Ms. Anne Luwema of the Netherlands Embassy welcomed guests including the Seoul diplomatic corps at the gate of the Ambassador's residence garden while the spring fragrance was in full bloom.
Seoul Envoys Share the Spirit of Togetherness
As a part of celebrations of South Africa's Freedom Day, South African Embassy invited the Seoul Diplomatic Corps to UMOJA - the spirit of togetherness - Musical Perforamance at the Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center on April 13, 2007 plus inviting the children from Dongmyeung Child's Welfare Center to the Performance on April 7, 2007.
Korea-South Africa non-Governmental Economic Cooperation Conference
On the occasion of the official visit of H.E. Mlambo Ngcuba, Deputy President of South Africa, the Korea-South Africa nongovernmental economic cooperation conference was held on May 3 at COEX Intercontinental, hosted by KITA. Mrs. Ngcuba, spoke regarding ASGISA/JIPSA support policy and Korea-South Africa collaboration fields.
KITA officials said: "South Africa is not only abundant in terms of resources, but also the country's market is enlarging every year thanks to high economic growth in the recent years."
Fiftieth Anniversary Treaties of Rome
Europeans and Koreans should further join their great capabilities and talents for the 50th Anniversary of the Treaties of Rome. The 50th Anniversary Commemorating Celebration of the Treaties of Rome was held at the Millennium Seoul under the supervision of the Embassy of Germany, the country which holds the current EU Presidency, and the Delegation of The European Commission in Korea on March 26, 2007. Separately from this, the European Union including the heads of state and government of the EU, the president of the European Commission and the president of the European Parliament celebrated its 50th birthday in Berlin on March 25 at the invitation of Chancellor Merkel, Germany. Fifty years ago six European countries came together to create a unique form of regional organization. The objective was to ensure war would never again ravage the European continent, and to bring lasting security to its peoples.
Fiftieth Anniversary Celebrations One After Another
In March, 2007, there were many celebrations to commemorate 50th Anniversaries. First off, Ghana envoy Kwadowo Afoakwa Sarpong feted the country's golden jubilee to commemorate its Independence Day from England on March 6 at the Hotel Shilla. Turkey envoy Deniz Oezmen also held a cocktail party on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the launch of the memories of Mr. Paik Sang-ki "Half A Century With The Turks" on March 8 at the National Theater of Korea. Dutch envoy Dr. Hans Heinsbroek, fourth from right, poses with the Seoul diplomatic corps South Africa Amb. Stefanus J. Schoeman, poses with Korea's MIC minister Rho Jun-hyong, second from left Strong Reverberations of My Way The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany gave backing to Jazz musician Ms. Chung Geum-hwa's concert held on March 24 at the National Theater of Korea. She is a well-known Korean Jazz musician around the Europe, particularly in Germany.
Grand Opening of Intercontinental's Luxurious Blush Bar and Lounge
The Grand Intercontinental Seoul feted the Grand Opening of its luxurious Blush bar and lounge while some envoys in Seoul including Indian Ambassador N. Parthasarathi and Jane Coombs, Ambassador of New Zealand plus the foreign business community were in attendance.
Azerbaijan: Hub of Caspian Sea
In honor of H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Korea's four economic bodies KITA, KCCI, FKI and KBIZ held a welcoming luncheon on April 24 at the Hotel Shilla. As a resources power among CIS countries, Azerbaijan is rapidly emerging as a hub of oil transportation and logistics in the Caspian Sea area.
To shed its oil-oriented industry structure, the Azerbaijan government holds large-sized project development plans for IT, roads, harbors, plants, construction and Korea-Azerbaijan trade activation, according to Aliyev.
Austria to Commit Itself to Help Korea-EU FTA talks A welcoming
luncheon in honor of H.E. Heinz Fischer, President of the Republic of Austria was held in the Grand Hyatt Seoul under the auspices of Korea's four economic bodies on April 3. Through his speech, Fischer has committed himself to help in the process of Korea-EU FTA, adding that he sincerely hopes the FTA talks between the two counterparts would create a mutually beneficial arrangement with each other. KITA president Lee Hee-beom also commented: "Korea and Austria have mutually complementary industry structure and strategic locations," adding that such mutual complementary industry structure can give benefits to each other.
New Zealand Jazz Night in Once in a Blue Moon
Jane Coombs, Ambassador of New Zealand, Andrew French, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, Hee-Jeong Kwon, Tourism New Zealand and Jae-Hong Lim invited jazz lovers including some envoys in Seoul to a special performance held in Once in a Blue Moon by internationally acclaimed jazz and Blue Vocalist Tim Strong, husband of Ambassador Coombs, with guest appearances by Baek Seung-ju, KBS anchor on the evening of April 17. The Jazz Night was aimed to promote New Zealand wine and culture to the Korean public.
A Fresh Advance in South Korea-Pakistan Relations
To mark a fresh advance in South Korea-Pakistan relations, the Korea-Pakistan Friendship Association was launched on April 12 to promote economic, cultural and academic exchanges between the two countries. Based at Myongji University, Seoul, the Association will be open to members from various areas that have links with Pakistan.
