Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Estonian president vows to strengthen Korea-Estonia relations through embassy in Seoul
Estonian President Alar Karis speaks during a ceremony to commemorate the opening of the Estonian Embassy in Seoul at a hotel in Seoul , Wednesday. Courtesy of Embassy of Estonia in Seoul
By Kim Hyun-bin
Estonia opens embassy in Seoul
Estonian President Alar Karis emphasized the close ties and shared values between Korea and Estonia while expressing his commitment to enhancing their bilateral relations after announcing the opening of the Estonian Embassy in Seoul, Wednesday, marking a significant step forward in fostering cooperation between the two nations.
“I am very pleased to open the Estonian Embassy in Seoul to intensify our cooperation even further. For a small nation with limited resources,” Karis said during an event marking the opening of its embassy here at a hotel in Seoul.
The Estonian Ambassador to Korea Sten Schwede also addressed the close and burgeoning relationship between Estonia and Korea, celebrating the fully operational Estonian Embassy in Seoul and the establishment of the Estonian Business Hub Seoul.
Estonian Ambassador to Korea Sten Schwede speaks during a ceremony to commemorate the opening of the Estonian Embassy in Seoul at a hotel in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Embassy of Estonia in Seoul
The decision by the Estonian government in 2020 to open an embassy in Seoul was highlighted as a pivotal step towards enhancing the bilateral relationship.
“The Estonian government decided in 2020 to open an embassy in Seoul. It took a little longer to complete the task due to the pandemic, but our diplomatic mission is now fully functional and fully manned,” Schwede said.
One of the primary missions of the Estonian Embassy in Seoul is to promote business ties between the two nations. In line with this goal, the Estonian Business Hub Seoul was inaugurated simultaneously with the embassy.
“The Hub is supporting the embassy by reaching out to Korean and Estonian companies and replying to their inquiries, but also by providing meeting space for Estonian and Korean entrepreneurs, by organizing seminars, meet-ups, exhibitions and promotional events,” the ambassador said.
“These meet-ups are a good opportunity for Korean importers to meet Estonian exporters and I am happy that there are lately many successful entrances of Estonian goods into the Korean market.”
Karis acknowledged the cultural and historical similarities between Estonia and Korea, emphasizing that both nations have a deep-rooted understanding of what it takes to preserve their unique identities and languages in the face of larger neighbors and challenging circumstances.
With a shared commitment to freedom and democracy, Estonia and Korea have laid a strong foundation for a robust partnership. President Karis underscored the importance of a rules-based international order and the right of each nation to determine its own path.
Karis highlighted the interconnection between security in the Euro-Atlantic region and the Pacific region surrounding Korea.
“Our histories have ingrained deep in our national consciousnesses the understanding of what it takes to survive as unique cultures with our unique languages in the midst of bigger neighbors and through difficult times,” he added. “Both Estonia and Korea had to endure great hardships before being able to stand here today as a successful and prosperous democracy.”
The Estonian president praised Korea's support for Ukraine, emphasizing that both Estonia and Korea have painful memories of wars on their soil but have successfully built prosperous economies and democracies after foreign occupation.