Venezuela Watns Tag of Democracy
By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
Among images that come to peoples' minds about Venezuela is the beauty of its women, as again proven at the Miss Universe competition in 2008.
Oil is another icon, adorning the headlines of many newspapers because of soaring prices in recent months.
For Wolfgang Gonzalez, the acting head of mission at the Embassy of Venezuela in Korea, these aren't what Venezuela wants to portray to the world. "Yes, normally people know (Venezuela) because of beautiful girls and oil, but that's not what I would like Venezuela to be known for."
Gonzalez says Venezuela is a stable country with a long-standing democracy.
"In fact, Venezuela is the longest standing democratic country in the region," he told The Korea Times during an interview.
The South American country is commanded by socialist President Hugo Chavez, known for his speeches and remarks against the United Sates and U.S. President George W. Bush.
Stability and democracy are attributed to the popular leader, whose reforms with social philosophy in mind have worked with Venezuelan citizens, the acting ambassador said.
"The majority support him, especially because the social program gives people what they need," he said.
Since Chavez came into power, "We no longer have illiteracy," Gonzalez said.
The traditionally impoverished country with 80 percent of the population living below the poverty line, has witnessed economic growth since the inauguration of Chavez.
The education system has improved with the creation of numerous affordable universities.
The Venezuelan President also created a free public health care system, Gonzalez said.
Yet, in 2002, he came under public backlash because of his policies and was thrown out of office for two days. Last year, a public referendum voted against an amendment to the Constitution that included allowing him to seek reelection limitlessly.
Abroad, the image of Chavez is rather tainted, at least, in the eyes of Western countries, as his bold remarks have come across as threatening and less then shrewd.
Gonzales also wants to give a glossier image of Venezuela as a tourist destination.
He says Venezuela has unknown jewels of nature, such as the Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world, great beaches, and a mixture of climates from savannah to tropical.
Coming into his 11th month of service in Korea, Gonzales has figured out how to get around, what his favorite dishes are, and how to order food at restaurants, but is still confused when it comes to Korea-Venezuelan relations.
"It doesn't meet our expectations," he said as his overall evaluation on current bilateral relations.
Nearly 50 years of diplomatic ties have not evolved much. Economic exchange remains staggering, limited to certain goods like automobiles, machinery, iron ore and copper.
The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1965. Bilateral trade reached about $13 billion last year.
Exchanges in culture, tourism and people-to-people aren't so different either.
The Korean population in Venezuela is tiny, especially compared to neighboring countries, such as Brazil, which has had a large influx of Korean immigrants in the past.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, approximately 200 Koreans lived in Venezuela in 2006.
Gonzalez, however, hopes to make up for this starting this summer.
First, there will be a Latin American exhibition in Seoul commencing this Friday. The exhibition will display works of renowned artists from 16 Latin and Caribbean countries at the Deoksu Palace in Seoul.
The three-month showcase will feature Jesusoto, Poleo and Brant, all internationally recognized Venezuelan artists.
Gonzalez also looks forward to the Youth Symphonic Orchestra's visit.
Thanks to a good social program in Venezuela, talented young musicians will go on a tour of Asian, stopping by Korea Dec. 14-15, he said.
On Sept. 9 and 10 the Economic Forum of Korea-Latin America will be held, which he thinks is another good opportunity.
During the forum, a high-level official from Venezuela is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding regarding energy with Korea.
"This will help find a way to improve bilateral relations, especially trade," he said, projecting a hope for the two countries. "Venezuela has potential in energy that Korea is looking for, and Korea has technology that we are looking for."