On 28 September 2018, during the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Kang Kyung-wha. The parties discussed bilateral relations between both countries and current developments on the North Korea’s nuclear disarmament issue. An Air Traffic Agreement between Latvia and South Korea was signed at the meeting, which is expected to promote cooperation in tourism.

Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed satisfaction with the active political dialogue and noted in particular the visits to Korea by the President of Latvia and the Minister of Defence. The Minister extended an invitation from the Latvian government to the South Korean Prime Minister to visit Latvia.

“We wish to build closer cooperation with South Korean companies on the development of new technologies since alongside traditional areas Latvian-Korean economic cooperation should especially be facilitated in science, research, and innovations. Establishment of an Innovation Centre in Riga could be a successful platform for cooperation in exploring new technologies. For instance, Latvia is currently working actively in research on the new generation of mobile internet, or 5G network, in which South Korean companies could take part,” said Edgars Rinkēvičs. The Minister also noted that since Latvia opened its Embassy in Seoul, the overall trade volumes had been increasing each year.

The parties shared views on the issue of North Korea’s nuclear disarmament. Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed hope that the Singapore Summit this past 12 June had offered and opportunity to overcome the decades-long tension. The Summit should also be regarded as a good political signal and the first step towards the normalisation of situation on the Korean peninsula.

Background information: On 5 September 1991, the Republic of Korea recognised the independence of the Republic of Latvia, and diplomatic relations were established on 22 October the same year.

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