Nam Hyun-woo has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2013, mostly covering business and politics. He currently belongs to the Business Desk where he covers topics such as emerging tech, AI, ICT and Korea's chaebol community. Prior to joining the team, he was the paper's correspondent for the presidential office of Korea during the Yoon Suk Yeol and Moon Jae-in administrations.
Korea, Colombia to strengthen partnership in defense
President Moon Jae-in and his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque pose after exchanging medals before their summit in Cheong Wa Dae, Wednesday. Yonhap
By Nam Hyun-woo
By Nam Hyun-woo
President Moon Jae-in and his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in national defense, as part of their efforts to expand the two countries' relations to a comprehensive and future-oriented partnership, upon the latter's state visit to Seoul.
During their summit, Wednesday, the presidents adopted a joint statement containing their visions on the future direction of bilateral relations, and both governments signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on medical cooperation, excavation of the remains of deceased Colombian soldiers who took part in the 1950-53 Korean War, cultural exchanges, an ecosystem for startups and agricultural cooperation.
“Colombia and Korea will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year,” Moon said. “Through reciprocal economic cooperation, the two countries have walked the path of mutual prosperity and became strategic partners to each other in 2011, which paved the way for future-oriented and comprehensive cooperation.”
Colombia is the only Latin American country to have fought in the Korean War, and stands as a traditionally friendly nation to Korea sharing the values of democracy and peace, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Duque's state visit came as the two countries are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership and the 70th anniversary of Colombia's entry into the Korean War. Upon the occasion, the two countries evaluated and agreed to develop their diplomatic ties, which mark their 60th anniversary next year.
“Seventy years ago, we joined forces to protect the common principles the two countries share, and today we are making efforts to provide more opportunities to both people through cooperation for development, innovation and creativity,” Duque said. “Upon other agendas, I would like to thank Korea for its support for Colombia's national security. By donating out-of-commission warships and transferring related technologies, Korea has made a big contribution in Colombia's defense capability.”
Korea donated a patrol combat corvette, the ROKS Iksan, to Colombia last year, and in 2014 it donated the ROKS Anyang.
In the joint statement, the two leaders agreed on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of national defense. On the occasion of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2021, which will takes place in October, the two countries will resume a joint committee on national defense, and further enhance their cooperation in the defense infrastructure and war supplies.
The leaders agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation in rewarding veterans who fought in the Korean War. In the joint statement, both sides decided to enhance support programs for Colombian veterans and their descendants, and expand projects to commemorate deceased soldiers.
President Moon Jae-in and his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque inspect the honor guard at Cheong Wa Dae, Wednesday. Yonhap
During the summit, Moon also noted that Colombia will be the host country for P4G Summit 2023, following Korea which hosted this year's edition in May. P4G stands for Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030, and it is a global platform accelerating green partnerships to drive inclusive and resilient economic growth.
“Korea and Colombia are the host countries of successive P4G summits, and will closely cooperate to counter the global climate crisis,” Moon said. “Also, the two countries will jointly cooperate in sectors of food, healthcare and the Fourth Industrial Revolution and develop ties further.”
Colombia has been one of the key trade partners for Korea in Latin America. The free trade agreement between the two countries took effect in 2016, playing a pivotal role in the expansion of bilateral trade.
According to Korea International Trade Association data, Korea's exports to Colombia have been increasing from $814 million in 2017 to $1.01 billion in 2018 and $1.14 billion in 2019, but plummeted to $593 million in 2020 due largely to the COVID-19 pandemic. Colombia's exports to Korea increased from $651 million in 2017 to $834 million in 2018, but declined to $718 million in 2019 and $684 million last year.