By Lee Kap-soo

(New Year Message)

Dear readers of the Diplomacy Journal, 

As a newly appointed Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Korea, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Russia and Korea are bound by longstanding friendship and good neighborly ties. Our relations began to develop vigorously with the signing of the first bilateral treaty in 1884. In 1886, a Russian diplomatic mission was opened in Seoul. 

Despite many historical upheavals, from the first contacts in the 19th century to the present day Russia has always been a good neighbor of Korea, important contributor to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.

I am deeply convinced that there exists a great potential for mutually beneficial Russian-Korean cooperation in practical areas. Peoples of Russia and Korea are interested in each other's rich cultural and historical heritage. These factors serve as a powerful motivation for Russia-Korea relations to develop notwithstanding existing external constraints.

Though nowadays the political dialogue between our two countries faces the uncertainty, business, cultural, and academic communities express readiness for constructive interaction and continue to do their best to expand the multifaceted Russian-Korean cooperation. This demonstrates our mutual spirit for maintaining and multiplying achievements in the ties between Moscow and Seoul. 

As the President of Russia Vladimir Putin emphasized at the ceremony of presentation of diplomatic credentials by newly appointed ambassadors on December 4, 2023, Moscow is ready to return Russian-Korean cooperation to a trajectory of partnership that is so advantageous for our countries and peoples, if Seoul is also prepared for this. 

In 2024 we should proactively work together to strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation between our two nations for future generations. I am sure we will achieve meaningful results.

Taking this opportunity, I wish the readers of the Diplomacy Journal, their loved ones and friends, and all the people of Korea good health, happiness, and prosperity.