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.
Seven new ambassadors begin posts in Korea
President Lee Jae Myung, center, poses for a photo with Indonesian Ambassador Cecep Herawan, left, and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun after receiving the envoy’s credentials during a ceremony at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps
By Kim Hyun-bin
President Lee Jae Myung received the credentials of seven new ambassadors to Korea on Tuesday, urging them to serve as bridges to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across sectors.
President Lee Jae Myung, center, poses for a photo with Angolan Ambassador Sianga Kivuila Samuel Abilio, left, and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun after receiving the envoy’s credentials during a ceremony at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps
At the presidential office in Yongsan, the president held his first ambassadorial presentation ceremony since taking office, receiving envoys from Bangladesh, Angola, Algeria, Pakistan, the Dominican Republic, Spain and Indonesia, who presented their letters of credence.
President Lee Jae Myung, center, poses for a photo with Pakistani Ambassador Syed Moazzam Hussain Shah, left, and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun after receiving the envoy’s credentials during a ceremony at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps
The presentation of credentials is a formal diplomatic rite that officially marks the beginning of an ambassador’s tenure, as a new envoy submits a letter of appointment from their head of state to the leader of the host country.
President Lee Jae Myung, center, poses for a photo with Dominican Republic Ambassador Angie Shakira Martinez Tejera, left, and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun after receiving the envoy’s credentials during a ceremony at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps
Welcoming the envoys, Lee said, “The starting point of relations between countries is people meeting and communicating with one another. I ask you to meet widely with figures from various sectors and communicate closely so that our nations can deepen cooperation in many fields.”
President Lee Jae Myung, center, poses for a photo with Spanish Ambassador Julio Herraiz, left, and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun after receiving the envoy’s credentials during a ceremony at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps
He emphasized that his administration is pursuing pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests, while seeking to expand partnerships that directly benefit citizens. “We want to strengthen cooperation that contributes to people’s livelihoods, especially through closer economic ties,” he said.
President Lee Jae Myung, center, poses for a photo with Algerian Ambassador Lyes Nait Tighilt, left, and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun after receiving the envoy’s credentials during a ceremony at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps
The newly accredited ambassadors are Toufiq Islam Shatil of Bangladesh, Sianga Kivuila Samuel Abilio of Angola, Lyes Nait Tighilt of Algeria, Syed Moazzam Hussain Shah of Pakistan, Angie Shakira Martinez Tejera of the Dominican Republic, Julio Herraiz of Spain and Cecep Herawan of Indonesia.
President Lee Jae Myung, center, poses for a photo with Bangladeshi Ambassador Toufiq Islam Shatil, left, and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun after receiving the envoy’s credentials during a ceremony at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps
Senior Korean officials also attended the ceremony, including National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, presidential foreign policy secretary Choi Hee-deok, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.
Lee’s remarks underscored Seoul’s push to deepen diplomatic and economic ties with diverse partners as his administration pursues a foreign policy focused on practical cooperation and mutual benefit.