By Rachel Lee
Since the opening of Latvia's embassy in Seoul two years ago, bilateral relations between Latvia and Korea have improved significantly, especially in tourism and trade, says Latvia's top envoy here.
"I would like to underline the good increase of Korean business presence in Latvia and the growing number of Latvian exports to Korea, which increased by 15 percent and reached 50 million euros in 2016 and is showing rapid growth this year as well," said Ambassador Peteris Vaivars.
He was speaking at a Nov. 17 reception at the Grand Hyatt Seoul to mark the 99th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia
The embassy in Korea opened in September 2015.
"Latvia is happy to welcome more Korean tourists, whose numbers are growing 10-15 percent annually," he said.
The Latvian government arranged the first official major Korean media representatives' visit to Latvia and the filming of a KBS travel documentary in October this year.
Since the establishment of the Seoul office, Latvian artists to perform here include dance and choir groups and musicians such as Mischa Maisky and Gidon Kremer.
"This year in particular we are observing an increase of the number of Latvian athletes coming to Korea in relation to the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics," the ambassador said.
"We are also glad that many Koreans are interested in Latvian sports and that we can share our knowledge and expertise. I am sure next year's Olympic Games in Korea will be one of the world's greatest sporting events."
Latvia will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, starting with Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis making his first visit to Korea in February.
Vaivars said the common values of democracy, human rights, shared understanding of a rule-based international system and peace lay a strong foundation for mutual understanding and development of bilateral relations.
"As a highlight, I am glad to note that this year Shim Jae-kwon, chairman of the Korean National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, paid an official visit to Latvia and had many valuable meetings with Latvian top officials," he said.
"And just to remind everyone, since you all know that Santa Claus is coming from our neighboring country Finland, the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree comes from another very friendly and welcoming country of northern Europe _ Latvia."
Since the opening of Latvia's embassy in Seoul two years ago, bilateral relations between Latvia and Korea have improved significantly, especially in tourism and trade, says Latvia's top envoy here.
"I would like to underline the good increase of Korean business presence in Latvia and the growing number of Latvian exports to Korea, which increased by 15 percent and reached 50 million euros in 2016 and is showing rapid growth this year as well," said Ambassador Peteris Vaivars.
He was speaking at a Nov. 17 reception at the Grand Hyatt Seoul to mark the 99th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia
The embassy in Korea opened in September 2015.
"Latvia is happy to welcome more Korean tourists, whose numbers are growing 10-15 percent annually," he said.
The Latvian government arranged the first official major Korean media representatives' visit to Latvia and the filming of a KBS travel documentary in October this year.
Since the establishment of the Seoul office, Latvian artists to perform here include dance and choir groups and musicians such as Mischa Maisky and Gidon Kremer.
"This year in particular we are observing an increase of the number of Latvian athletes coming to Korea in relation to the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics," the ambassador said.
"We are also glad that many Koreans are interested in Latvian sports and that we can share our knowledge and expertise. I am sure next year's Olympic Games in Korea will be one of the world's greatest sporting events."
Latvia will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, starting with Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis making his first visit to Korea in February.
Vaivars said the common values of democracy, human rights, shared understanding of a rule-based international system and peace lay a strong foundation for mutual understanding and development of bilateral relations.
"As a highlight, I am glad to note that this year Shim Jae-kwon, chairman of the Korean National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, paid an official visit to Latvia and had many valuable meetings with Latvian top officials," he said.
"And just to remind everyone, since you all know that Santa Claus is coming from our neighboring country Finland, the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree comes from another very friendly and welcoming country of northern Europe _ Latvia."
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