2014-8 May 1 2014
Embassy of the Republic of Korea
http://can-ottawa.mofa.go.kr newsletter@koreanembassy.ca
"History is not pre- ordained. It is us who are
making and creating it."
- Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs
April 22, 2014
Political Affairs
Minister Yun Byung-se Delivers Keynote Speech at the 2014 Asan Plenum
On April 22, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se delivered a keynote address at the Asan Plenum 2014, an international conference hosted by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. During his address, Minister Yun said, "If North Korea carries out additional nuclear tests as it has publicly mentioned, it will be a game changer, which will change the entire landscape. North Korea is playing a game which it can never win against the entire international community. North Korea should get off the wrong road, and their first decision should be to give up nuclear weapons."
Korea-Canada Relations
Canadian Foreign Minister Offers Condolences over the Sewol Ferry Tragedy
Foreign Minister John Baird, having issued a statement of condolence over the sinking of the passenger ship “Sewol” that occurred on April 16, called Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se on April 17 to offer words of sympathy on behalf of the people and government of Canada. He also conveyed the willingness of the Canadian government to extend support in dealing with the tragedy.
Minister Yun expressed his deep appreciation for Canada's support and added that the government of the Republic of Korea, although deeply saddened over the accident, will take every step to ensure
that any remaining survivors are rescued.
Ambassador Cho Meets with the Premier of Alberta
On April 28, Ambassador Cho Hee-yong met with the Premier of the Province of Alberta, The Honourable Dave Hancock, to discuss a variety of bilateral issues, including the summit meeting held between the Prime Minister and President last March, the conclusion of the Korea-Canada FTA, people-to-people exchanges, and the strengthening of ties between the provinces of Gangwon and Alberta, which are commemorating the 40th anniversary of their sister-province relationship this year.
Ambassador Cho, remarking on the importance of the summit meeting and the conclusion of the Korea-Canada FTA, emphasized the need to make further efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. Premier Hancock agreed that the Korea-Canada FTA is an important platform on which to further expand bilateral ties and mentioned that it will have a positive effect on Korea-Alberta economic and trade relations, as well as the dynamic people-to-people relations between Korea and Canada.
Embassy Updates
KVA President Mr. Bill Black Receives a Korean Foreign Minister's Commendation
On Tuesday, April 29th, Ambassador Cho Hee-yong conferred, on behalf of Yun Byung-Se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the Certificate of Commendation to Mr. Bill Black, President of the Korean War Veterans Association Unit 7, for his significant contributions during the "Year of the Korean War Veteran" and the "Year of Korea in Canada."
Many Korean War veterans, their families, and other distinguished guests, including staff from Veterans Affairs Canada, Members of Parliament, and representatives from the Korean community were in attendence to congratulate Mr. Black. Meanwhile, veterans and their families paid tribute to the victims of the ‘Sewol’ ferry tragedy at a memorial alter erected at the Embassy.
Culture Corner
Commemorative Statue Unveiled in Korea to Remember Imjingang River Battle
On April 23, an opening ceremony was held for the Gloster Hill Memorial Park in Gyeonggi-do, where a commemorative statue was also unveiled amidst the attendance of 64 Commonwealth veterans and relatives from Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
The 7,831-square meter park has a commemorative wall with the names engraved of the Korean War soldiers who fell during the Battle of the Imjingang River.
Popular Articles from the 'Korea-Canada' Blog
Here is a list of the past weeks' most popular articles on the
‘Korea-Canada blog':
1. Candlelight Vigil for the Victims of Sewol Ferry Tragedy (Edward Koo)
2. 10 Things You Should Know About Living in Korea Before You Do (Part 3): The Final 4 (Alex Barnett)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
6
May
Embassy Speakers Series
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea cordially invites you to join us at our first Embassy Speakers Series of 2014 with our guest, Mr. John Weekes, Canada's chief negotiator for NAFTA and former ambassador to the WTO and GATT.
The title of Mr. Weekes presentation is "The Canada Korea Free Trade Agreement: A Catalyst for a Strengthened Partnership." The event will begin at 18:00 and a Korean buffet-style dinner will be served.
Kindly RSVP by May 2, as seating is limited.
RSVP
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.
Read More
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?
Aegukga means "the song of love for the country," and is recited as the Republic of Korea's national anthem. The original lyrics of Aegukga appear to have been written around 1907. Over the years, different national leaders revised the words until they evolved into what we sing today.
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? 2013 Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Canada
