[Security Forum] Forum gathers diplomats from 35 countries amid new security challenges

Reflecting growing interest in major foreign policy changes anticipated in the United States ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House as well as the recent tension between the two Koreas, the Korea Herald Security Forum, held Wednesday in Seoul, brought together 21 ambassadors and diplomats from 35 embassies.

The top envoys attending The Korea Herald’s Security Forum said efforts are needed to maintain strong ties among allies and partner countries for better security and stability.

Following the first session of the forum, which discussed South Korea’s interests in foreign policy, security as well as its relationship with North Korea in view of the US presidential election, ambassadors representing the European Union, Luxembourg and Rwanda told The Korea Herald that more discussions are needed between key countries during this time of uncertainty.

“The forum was very timely and reiterated the need for more discussions at a time of uncertainty,” said EU Ambassador to South Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez. “We are all waiting to see how the election results will influence not just Korea but also globally. After the forum, I believe that what’s important is that, from here on, the US remains as a key partner for both Korea and Europe. The bonds are very strong and I think we want to continue this strong relationship.”

Ambassador of Rwanda to South Korea Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi stated that, following Thursday’s forum, his optimism toward security not just on the Korean Peninsula but also globally has increased.

“I believe that there is value that Korea brings to the world in terms of making the world more peaceful. Following today’s forum, I’m confident that there will be continuity between the alliances with the US, Japan and Korea,” Manzi told The Korea Herald. “The forum made me realize once again how much input Korea can bring to the entire world in terms of global stability.”

Ambassador of Luxembourg to South Korea Jacques Flies spoke of his concern regarding the current situation on the Korean Peninsula in terms of regional security.

“(Luxembourg) remains very concerned by the linkages we see between the security situation in Europe and the Korean Peninsula, especially when we see the way the DPRK and Russia have been collaborating in the war between Russia and Ukraine,” said Flies. “With the US being a pivotal, key country globally, I think the forum has reminded us to think more about how possible changes in the US’ policies could affect security in Korea and also around the world.”

Pointing toward the recent Security and Defense Partnership signed between the European Union and Korea, Fernandez urged continued cooperation to overcome conflicts that are occurring globally.

“The world is full of conflict, much more than before. We are in a new political world with a lot of transactions, where sometimes the national interest is a lot more important than values,” Fernandez mentioned. “Certainly, the security in the Pacific, of Northeast Asia, is completely linked to the security in Europe. (…) We all need to partner to promote a strong international rule-based order on the basis of the United Nations principles, which are principles for everyone.”

The Korea Herald expresses its deepest gratitude to the diplomatic community for its support and participation at the Korea Herald Security Forum 2024. Below is a list of 21 esteemed ambassadors who honored the event with their presence, presented in alphabetical order of the countries they represent:

Algeria Ambassador to South Korea Bensabri Mohammed

Brazil Ambassador to Korea Marcia Donner Abreu

Croatia Ambassador to Korea Damir Kusen

Czech Republic Ambassador to Korea Ivan Jancarek

European Union Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez

Finland Ambassador to Korea Jyri Jarviaho

Georgia Ambassador to Korea Tarash Papaskua

Honduras Ambassador to Korea Rodolfo Pastor Fasquelle

Latvia Ambassador to Korea Janis Berzins

Luxembourg Ambassador to Korea Jacques Flies

Morocco Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi

Norway Ambassador to Korea Anne Kari Hansen Ovind

Kuwait Ambassador to Korea Deyab Al-Rashidi

Qatar Ambassador to Korea Khalid Ebrahim Al-Hamar

Rwanda Ambassador to Korea Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi

Sierra Leone Ambassador to Korea Paul Sobba Massaquoi

Spain Ambassador to Korea Guillermo Kirkpatrick

Tajikistan Ambassador to Korea Kirom Salohiddin Amriddinzoda

Tanzania Ambassador to Korea Togolani Edriss Mavura

Tunisia Ambassador to Korea Kais Darragi

Uzbekistan Ambassador to Korea Alisher Abdusalomov