By Lee Kap-soo

British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks has been honored for his contributions to the development of bilateral relations on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the UK.

According to the British Embassy on Oct. 4, Amb. Crooks received the Special Ambassador Award for his contribution to the development of the relationship between the UK and South Korea at the World Culture Festival's Korean Day event organized by the World Culture Association at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. 

"Both the UK and South Korea are countries that are driven by the same fundamental values of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and freedom," Ambassador Crooks said at the ceremony, adding "I am particularly looking forward to President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit to the UK next month at the invitation of His Majesty King Charles III."

The event, which was held to commemorate the annual Korean Day on October 5, featured a variety of cultural exchange programs, including Korean samulnori and janggu dance, Scottish and Indonesian traditional performances.