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.
Canadian Embassy in Seoul highlights strength of bilateral ties
Ashley Mulroney, head of political, economic and public affairs, speaks during a New Year networking reception at the Embassy of Canada in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
The Embassy of Canada in Seoul held a New Year networking reception Thursday at its Seoul offices, celebrating the strength of Canada-Korea relations, with Ashley Mulroney, head of political, economic and public affairs, praising the trust and shared values underpinning the decades-long partnership.
Mulroney opened by saying the evening was to honor the people who help sustain bilateral ties. Welcoming guests to the embassy, she humorously said that Canada was proud to offer “syrup, politeness and, hopefully, a pleasant evening among friends.”
She noted that Canada and Korea have been partners for decades and that their bond is built on trust, shared values and a belief that the two countries are stronger when they work together. She pointed to the winter cold, saying temperatures in Seoul and Ottawa were nearly identical that evening, showing the two countries can even compete on the weather and drawing laughter from the audience.
Comparing the relationship to a Korean drama, Mulroney described it as “warm, reliable and always improving — but with fewer love triangles.”
She thanked educators, government partners, cultural figures and members of the media for helping deepen bilateral ties and tell Canada’s story.
Mulroney closed by inviting guests to raise their glasses to the Canada-Korea relationship, expressing hope that the partnership will continue to grow and thrive.
Canada and Korea established diplomatic relations in 1963. Since then, the two countries have expanded cooperation across the areas of trade, security, education and people-to-people exchanges, building on Canada’s role as a contributor to the United Nations forces during the Korean War.