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    Lee to receive Italy's highest decoration for promoting bilateral ties

    ROME — President Lee Jae Myung will receive Italy's highest state decoration from Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Thursday in recognition of his contributions to bilateral ties, a presidential official said. Mattarella was to confer the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic on Lee during a state banquet in Rome, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a briefing. The honor comes after the two leaders held summit talks earlier in the day at the Quirinal Palace, during which they agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership. Lee is currently on a state visit to Italy, the first such visit by a South Korean president in 26 years. The Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is Italy's highest decoration bestowed on foreign heads of state. Italy conferred the honor on King Charles III of Britain and the president of the United Arab Emirates last year. The conferral reflects Italy's "highest expression of respect for Lee in appreciation of his contributions to strengthening friends

    2 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Lee to receive Italy's highest decoration for promoting bilateral ties
  • Others

    Korea, Italy sign MOUs to enhance advanced science cooperation, explore joint projects in Africa

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Korea, Italy sign MOUs to enhance advanced science cooperation, explore joint projects in Africa
  • Others

    Korea, Britain sign revised nuclear cooperation protocol, discuss partnership

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Korea, Britain sign revised nuclear cooperation protocol, discuss partnership
  • Foreign Affairs

    UAE sends military planes to S. Korea to transport Cheongung missile systems: sources

    2 MIN READBy Yonhap
    UAE sends military planes to S. Korea to transport Cheongung missile systems: sources
  • Foreign Affairs

    PHOTOS German Embassy brings Berlin techno to Seoul through public diplomacy

    1 MIN READBy Anna J. Parkphoto
    [PHOTOS] German Embassy brings Berlin techno to Seoul through public diplomacy
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CEO & Publisher: Oh Young-jinDigital News Email: webmaster@koreatimes.co.krTel: 02-724-2114Online newspaper registration No: 서울,아52844Date of registration: 2020.02.05Masthead: The Korea TimesCopyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.

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Foreign Affairs

'Who let the dogs out?' Central Asian shepherds gifted to impeached leader now in zoo

Two dogs that were gifted to now-impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol by the president of Turkmenistan have ended up at a zoo in Seoul rather than at Yoon’s private residence. According to Seoul Grand Park and the Presidential Archive on Friday, the two Central Asian shepherd dogs — also known as Turkmen Alabay — will continue to be housed at the zoo inside the park, with no plans to relocate them to Yoon’s home. Named Happy and Joy, the two dogs have been staying at the zoo since November 2024. Some had expected the furry companions to join the former president at his private residence since his departure from the presidential residence on April 8. However, the dogs’ relocation did not materialize, likely due to their big size and cost of care. A full-grown Central Asian shepherd can weigh up to 100 kilograms. Yoon and his wife Kim Keon Hee now reside in an apartment complex in Seoul’s Seocho District. The dogs were gifted by Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov as a symbol of friendship during the former presidential couple's state visit to the Central Asian cou

Apr 19, 2025By Lee Hyo-jin
'Who let the dogs out?' Central Asian shepherds gifted to impeached leader now in zoo
Foreign Affairs

Former UN secretary general calls for end to global conflicts

Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an immediate end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and urged a revival of multilateralism and diplomacy during a gathering with members of the diplomatic corps at his hometown on Friday. The event, held at the Ban Ki-moon Peace Museum in Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province, welcomed more than 100 guests, including foreign ambassadors in Korea and young Korean climate leaders. It marked the second such visit by the diplomatic corps to Ban’s hometown, following an inaugural trip in 2023. “I extend my heartfelt welcome to you all to my hometown, Eumseong-gun,” Ban said. “This is the second time that the Diplomatic Corps in Korea is visiting here so today is a very meaningful day for me.” Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the gathering served as both a celebration of the UN's legacy and a moment to confront present-day global challenges. “The UN has pursued its three key objectives, peace and security, human rights and development, yet many challenges remain,” Ban said. “The ongoing

Apr 18, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Former UN secretary general calls for end to global conflicts
Foreign Affairs

US DOE official highlights Korea's role in Trump administration's energy strategy

A senior U.S. energy official on Friday underscored Korea's growing significance in the Donald Trump administration's push to expand American energy exports and diversify global supply chains. Speaking via video remarks at an energy forum hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) held in Seoul, Tommy Joyce, acting assistant secretary for international affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), said Seoul remains a critical ally in Washington's energy agenda. "Korea and each of you in Seoul are absolutely essential allies in this pursuit," Joyce said in his remarks addressed to business representatives at a Seoul hotel. "Korea plays an important role in unleashing American energy and supporting President Trump's vision of building supply chains independent of China." His comments come as discussions continue over Korea's potential participation in an envisioned liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure project in Alaska. Recently highlighted by Trump, the project aims to develop a pipeline from the gas-rich North Slope to southern Alaska, where natural gas would b

Apr 18, 2025By Yonhap
US DOE official highlights Korea's role in Trump administration's energy strategy
Foreign Affairs

Korea to help preserve Peru's Machu Picchu under new cultural heritage agreement

Korea will support the preservation and sustainable management of Peru's Machu Picchu, one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites, under a new cultural heritage agreement signed between the two countries. The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced Friday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Peru's Ministry of Culture to expand bilateral cooperation in the field of cultural heritage. The agreement centers on a joint official development assistance project being pushed by the two nations to conserve the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Under the project, the two countries plan to develop an integrated system for preserving and utilizing the site, including safety assessments, structural damage prevention, digital archiving of cultural assets and restoration efforts. The project is slated to begin in 2026, pending final approval from Korea's inter-agency consultation committee for grant aid programs. It will be implemented by the Korea Heritage Agency. Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the A

Apr 18, 2025By Yonhap
Korea to help preserve Peru's Machu Picchu under new cultural heritage agreement
Foreign Affairs

Supreme Court judge meets top US court chief justice in Washington

A judge from Korea's highest court met with the U.S. Supreme Court's chief justice during his visit to Washington earlier this month, according to his office. Supreme Court Justice Kwon Young-joon paid a courtesy call on Chief Justice John Roberts as he visited the top U.S. court on April 8 and discussed judicial issues concerning their countries, according to the court. During the meeting, Kwon delivered a letter from Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae inviting Roberts to an international legal conference in Seoul in September. Kwon is also said to have shared an anecdote of a former Korean Supreme Court chief justice telling former President Rhee Syng-man to file for an appeal if he had objections when he expressed discontent over a court verdict. Last month, Roberts publicly responded to President Donald Trump's criticism against a federal court judge, pointing out that the appellate review process exists for disagreements with judicial decisions. The latest trip marked the third time a Supreme Court justice paid a courtesy call on a U.S. Supreme Court chief justice.

Apr 18, 2025By Yonhap
Supreme Court judge meets top US court chief justice in Washington
Foreign Affairs

US State Dept. says it continues to assess global posture amid report on possible Korea consulate closure

The U.S. State Department continues to assess America's global programs and posture, a spokesperson said Thursday, following a report that the Trump administration is looking at closing nearly 30 overseas embassies and consulates, including one in Korea. "No embassy or consulate closures have been announced, and operations continue as normal," the spokesperson said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency. "The State Department continues to assess our global programs and posture to ensure we are best positioned to address modern challenges on behalf of the American people," the official added. Earlier this week, CNN reported on what it called an internal State Department document that recommends the closure of 10 embassies and 17 consulates, including a consulate in Korea.

Apr 18, 2025By Yonhap
US State Dept. says it continues to assess global posture amid report on possible Korea consulate closure
Foreign Affairs

US Embassy says consulate in Busan operating normally after reports of possible closure

The U.S. Consulate in Busan is currently operating normally, the U.S. Embassy in South Korea said Thursday, after media reports suggested it is being considered for closure. CNN reported Tuesday that the Donald Trump administration is looking at closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates, including the mission in Busan, about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, citing an internal State Department document. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul said there has been no announcement of closures of embassies and consulates, adding that the consulate in Busan is conducting normal operations. It said the State Department continuously evaluates its global programs and posture to respond to challenges. The consulate in Busan currently offers consular services to U.S. citizens in the country's second-largest city and nearby areas. If the consulate does shut down, residents in the area will likely have to travel to Seoul for the services. "South Korea and the United States are always in close communications on all issues," a South Korean foreign ministry official said.

Apr 17, 2025By Yonhap
US Embassy says consulate in Busan operating normally after reports of possible closure
North Korea

ICAO dismisses N. Korea's request to investigate alleged drone infiltration into Pyongyang

The U.N. civilian aviation agency has dismissed North Korea's request to investigate its claim of South Korean drones infiltrating Pyongyang's airspace last year, a Seoul official said Thursday. Earlier this year, North Korea submitted the request to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for a probe into the alleged drone infiltrations in October. "At the ICAO Council meeting on April 1, North Korea's claim was not accepted and the council decided by consensus that no measures were necessary regarding the case," the foreign ministry official said. Under ICAO regulations, the agency's council must discuss all issues brought up by a member state. The case was dismissed through a closed-door meeting of the council — comprised of 36 members, including South Korea. South Korea has expressed opposition to what it called North Korea's "politicization" of the ICAO after the investigation request was made. In October, North Korea accused South Korea of sending drones over Pyongyang to scatter propaganda leaflets, a claim which Seoul has neither confirmed nor denied. South and North

Apr 17, 2025By Yonhap
ICAO dismisses N. Korea's request to investigate alleged drone infiltration into Pyongyang
Foreign Affairs

South African envoy, Korean biz leaders emphasize deeper ties at investment seminar

South African Ambassador to Korea Sindiswa Mququ and Korean business leaders emphasized the need for more inclusive and strategic economic cooperation between Korea and Africa during the South Africa-Korea Trade & Investment Seminar in Seoul on Thursday, highlighting sustainability, infrastructure and investment as key pillars of the relationship. Mququ praised the seminar as a critical venue for dialogue. “This seminar would not be a success without the participation of everyone here today. The Chair of the Chamber of Commerce in Korea, and every partner involved, contributed to this momentum.” She also emphasized that Korea’s recognition of South Africa as a strategic partner following global sustainability discussions, such as COP28, shows "we are aligned on building partnerships that harness global capabilities to confront the enormous challenges our world is facing.” Vice President of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Kim Gi-hyun underscored Korea’s growing institutional commitment to Africa. “Earlier this year, we launched the Korea-Africa Economic Coope

Apr 17, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
South African envoy, Korean biz leaders emphasize deeper ties at investment seminar
North Korea

Ukrainian official claims Russia plans to use NK troops on Ukrainian territory

Russia is planning to deploy North Korean soldiers on Ukrainian territory in the ongoing war between the two countries, dressing them in Russian uniforms, a Ukrainian security official has claimed. Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation, posted the claim on his Telegram account the previous day. Once North Korean troops are deployed on Ukrainian territory, Russia would claim that they are fighting on Russian territory as defined by the Russian constitution, Kovalenko said, citing Ukrainian lands written into the Russian constitution. In the first year of the war in 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed laws incorporating the Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine — Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson — into the Russian Federation, although the international community does not recognize the annexation. Since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with North Korea in June last year, thousands of North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, with t

Apr 17, 2025By Yonhap
Ukrainian official claims Russia plans to use NK troops on Ukrainian territory
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