Monday is Nelson Mandela International Day, which commemorates the late South African president’s sacrifices during the antiapartheid struggle and his contributions to universal human rights.The United Nations General Assembly in 2009 chose Mandela’s birthday on July 18 to honor his life and message, calling on people worldwide to devote 67 minutes of their lives to serving others -- through works such as feeding, schooling and sheltering the needy -- in recognition of the late leader’s charity

New KOICA chief aims for 'rule-maker' status with fresh aid models and greater funding commitments

President Park Geun-hye arrived in Mongolia on Thursday, setting in motion her summit diplomacy aimed at firming up international cooperation to deal with North Korea‘s nuclear ambitions and a rising wave of trade protectionism.　During her five-day visit to the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, Park will attend the two-day Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), which begins Friday, and hold bilateral talks with her Mongolian counterpart Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.　“This visit (to Mongolia) focuses on strengthen

In the aftermath of the Hague tribunal’s ruling on the South China Sea, Seoul’s dilemma is poised to deepen as the U.S. will likely call for its ally to speak up on Beijing’s assertiveness in the region in pursuit of joint action, observers here said Wednesday.　The watershed findings announced Tuesday dealt a major blow to China. The tribunal rebuked Beijing’s claim to “historic rights” over the bulk of the resources-rich waters as lacking legal basis and said some of its activities breached the

Young cultural professionals from the four member countries of the Visegrad Group, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, visited Seoul on Sunday as part of the 2016 Korea-V4 Young Professional Cultural Exchange Camp. The week-long event, which is hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and run by Herald Corp., will take place in Seoul and Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. While in Korea they will experience the local culture and forge new friendships with Korean cultural special

With Beijing’s rebuke showing little signs of abating over the U.S.’ envisioned THAAD stationing here, concerns are intensifying that China may take retaliatory steps that may take a substantial toll on the South Korean economy. Following last Friday’s announcement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other officials have reacted with sharp criticism, urging South Korea and the U.S. to shelve the plan. Official media churned out editorials and articles calling for military action and economic c

South Korea's ruling and opposition parties remained divided over the latest decision to deploy an advanced U.S. missile defense system in the country, with smaller parties expressing concerns over diplomatic fallouts with China and Russia, political pundits said Monday.Last week, Seoul and Washington agreed to station the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in South Korea to better counter Pyongyang's ever-growing missile threats. Moscow and Beijing have been opposing the move, claiming

The European Union delegation to Korea and Korea’s Ministry of Strategy and Finance launched a project last week to tackle greenhouse gas emissions as part of bilateral cooperation to curb climate change. The emissions trading scheme cooperation project -- worth over 3.5 million euros ($3.87 million) -- will run until January 2019. The EU will offer technical assistance and expertise to Korea through consultations, workshops and study visits to the EU. Through the three-year initiative, both sid

Despite offering far-flung thrills for tourists, South Africa has been a relatively unexplored destination over the years. The country on the southernmost tip of Africa exhibits a myriad of wonders ranging from natural adventure to cultural heritage. Across its beaches, vineyards, plazas and savannas, one can find “city lights and star-studded nights, exquisite cuisines and world-renowned wines,” and hear “the roar of lions and whisper of grasslands,” according to the country’s tourism board. To

Former Mongolian President Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat has said North Korea's simultaneous pursuit of nuclear weapons and economic development is an "impossible" task, adding that Pyongyang should first give up its nuclear program to seek economic growth.Ochirbat, who served as Mongolia's first directly elected president from 1990 to 1997, said economic cooperation with North Korea will be impossible, unless the reclusive state gives up its nuclear program."North Korea needs to focus on enhancing its