2014-9 May 16 2014
Embassy of the Republic of Korea
http://can-ottawa.mofa.go.kr newsletter@koreanembassy.ca
"Korea will not wait for change. We will create
change"
- Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs May 6, 2014
Political Affairs
Foreign Minister Explains Korea's Position on Korean Peninsula Issues
Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se delivered special remarks at the International Peace Institute (IPI) in New York on May 6th. In his remarks, Minister Yun Byung-se gave an analysis from the perspective of the Republic of Korea on challenges facing the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia, and the global community.
Minister Yun brought attention to the existing conflicts in Northeast Asia, which are prolonging tension among countries in the region, and spoke about the ROK’s efforts to promote peace and cooperation in the region through the reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
Economic Updates
Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy Held the Fifth Clean Energy Ministerial
The Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy held its fifth Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM5) in Seoul on May 12-13, 2014. Energy ministers and other high-level delegates from more than 20 of the world’s leading economies collaborated to identify tangible steps that each government can take to generate more rapid progress toward CEM’s overall goal: accelerating the transition to a global clean energy economy.
The discussions focused on identifying smart policies, programs, and innovative strategies to increase energy efficiency, enhance
clean energy supply, and expand energy access.
Embassy Updates
Embassy Speakers Series Resumes on the Korea- Canada FTA
The Embassy hosted this year’s first Embassy Speakers Series event on May 6, 2014 with guest speaker, Mr. John Weekes, Canada's chief negotiator for NAFTA and former ambassador to the WTO and GATT.
Mr. Weekes presentation, entitled "The Canada Korea Free Trade Agreement: A Catalyst for a Strengthened Partnership," examined the Korea-Canada Free Trade Agreement and the opportunities and challenges ahead for the two countries, given the recent conclusion of negotiations and the forthcoming ratification procedures.
The audience appreciated his insightful and relevant lecture, as well as the ensuing question and discussion period, which provided an honest and informed account of international trade relations and issues facing exporters and governments in the global market place.
Ambassador Cho Speaks at the Rotary Club of Ottawa
On Monday, May 5th, Ambassador Cho Hee-yong spoke at the Rotary Club of Ottawa during the "Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Program" with over 220 high school students in attendance, representing all regions across Canada.
Ambassador Cho inspired the young students to become future leaders of Canada, highlighting the qualities and role of a diplomat, and introduced a variety of issues in Korea-Canada relations, such as the significance of the recent Korea-Canada FTA, the contributions of Canada's Korean War Veterans during the Korean War, and the importance of people-to-people exchanges among youth.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
24
May
Asian Heritage Month
In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, the Korean Community Association of Ottawa and the City of Gatineau are hosting a Korean pavilion, featuring Korean music and dance performances, Korean food, Korean calligraphy demonstrations, and traditional
costume and craft exhibits.
The events will be held on Saturday, May 24th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Maison du Citoyen, 25 rue Laurier, Gatineau.
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31
May
2014 Tae E. Lee Cup Taekwondo Championship The Annual Tae E. Lee Cup Taekwondo Championship is a celebration marking the anniversary of Grandmaster Lee’s school opening in Ottawa. Since 1997, the Mayor of Ottawa has proclaimed May 31st of each year as TAE EUN LEE DAY in the City of Ottawa.
This year, the Tae E. Lee Cup Taekwondo Championship will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at the Algonquin College Gymnasium.
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31
May
3-Minute Video Contest About Korea
When you think of Korea, what first comes to mind? Do you have any personal or meaningful stories or experiences related to Korea? If so, what does Korea mean to you?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea and Arirang TV are holding a 3-minute video contest about Korea. To enter, please visit the contest website to fill in the application form and register your video entry by May 31, 2014.
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PROGRAMS
'Ambassador for Peace' Medal Award The Embassy of Korea is seeking Korean War Veterans who have not yet received the 'Ambassador for Peace' medal and who would like to have this special ceremony given in their honour. The 'Ambassador for Peace' commemorative medal is an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to all those Canadian men and women who served during the Korean War.
Find out more
EPIK and TaLK Programs
Gain international teaching experience through two nationally recognized public school programs supporting and strengthening English education in South Korea: English Program in Korea (EPIK) and Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK).
Find out more
Working Holiday Program
Korea has bilateral Working Holiday Visa programs with seventeen countries worldwide, including Canada. This program allows you to have an extended holiday, immersing yourself in Korean language and culture, while supplementing your funds with short-term work in Korea.
Find out more
DID YOU KNOW?
Emblems have been used mostly in western countries to symbolize the
genealogical records and authority of states, organizations, and families. Korea's national emblem is designed in the shape of a mugunghwa, also known as the rose of Sharon, which encircles the taegeuk motif.
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? 2013 Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Canada
