Azerbaijan marks its 108th Independence Day in Seoul

Azerbaijan celebrated its 108th Independence Day in Seoul on Tuesday, underscoring ties with South Korea and Baku’s growing role in regional and international affairs. The national day marks the founding of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918 — regarded as the first democratic republic in the Muslim world — ending nearly two centuries of Iranian and Russian rule. Addressing diplomats, government officials, members of civil society and the Azerbaijani community in Seoul, Azerbaijan

2026-05-27 14:29:29:00

Tajikistan calls for stronger global cooperation on water security

Tajikistan called Tuesday for stronger international cooperation on water security, warning that climate change and rising global demand are deepening water-related challenges around the world. Speaking at the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development in Dushanbe, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said the gathering would help “strengthen cooperation and accelerate action” on one of the world’s most pressing issues. “Water i

2026-05-26 21:15:07:00

Lithuania-Korea defense partnership a ‘win-win’: security adviser

Defense industry cooperation between South Korea and Lithuania will be advantageous to both countries, said Lithuanian National Security Adviser Deividas Matulionis. In an interview with The Korea Herald, Matulionis described bilateral defense cooperation as a “win-win” partnership driven by shared security concerns and complementary military capabilities. “South Korea has developed its defense industry over many years, and you have everything that you need because you have always felt the need

2026-05-26 13:20:28:00

S. Korea a model in Ukraine's postwar reconstruction: governor

South Korea’s rapid industrial rise after the Korean War could serve as a blueprint for Ukraine’s reconstruction, according to Vitaliy Kim, governor of Ukraine’s Mykolaiv region. In an interview with The Korea Herald, Kim said Ukraine is looking to South Korea for investment, industrial technology and long-term strategic cooperation as it prepares for a recovery effort estimated at over $588 billion. “As an example, I want to see the model of South Korea in the 1970s, when they imported technolo

2026-05-25 15:24:40:00

Foreign envoys applaud Africa Day 2026 in Seoul

Diplomats from more than 50 nations gathered Wednesday to celebrate Africa Day 2026, experiencing growing cultural ties between Africa, Korea, and the broader international community. Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity — now the African Union — in 1963, marking liberation, unity and cultural heritage on the continent. This year’s event, jointly hosted by the African Group of Ambassadors, the Korea-Africa Foundation, and Herald Media Group, featured cultural

2026-05-25 14:10:32:00

Peace and development central to Korea-Africa future: African envoys’ dean

Peace, development and shared responsibility are the three keys to understanding the continent of Africa, Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi said at the Africa Day 2026 event in Seoul on Wednesday. In his speech, Rachadi, who also serves as dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the African Group of Ambassadors, said that Africa should no longer be seen merely through the lens of culture or aid, but as an emerging global partner driving innovation, growth and transformation. “The first key, p

2026-05-25 12:37:24:00

Lee offers condolences over deadly China coal mine explosion

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday expressed condolences over the deadly gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s Shanxi Province that caused heavy casualties. In a message posted on X, Lee said he felt “profound regret and sorrow” upon hearing news of the accident and extended sympathy to the victims and their families. “I pray for the eternal peace of those who lost their lives in this sudden tragedy, and extend my deepest condolences and comfort to the bereaved families and the Chi

2026-05-24 18:57:35:00

India, South Korea unveil Korean War memorial near DMZ

PAJU, Gyeonggi Province — India and South Korea on Thursday unveiled a memorial honoring Indian troops who served in the Korean War, in a ceremony near the Demilitarized Zone that highlighted the countries’ shared wartime history and growing strategic ties. The memorial, located at Imjingak Peace Park in Paju near the border with North Korea, commemorates the Indian Army’s 60 Parachute Field Ambulance and the Custodian Force of India, which took part in frontline medical operations and prisoner-

2026-05-24 18:56:46:00

New Zealand showcases wines in Seoul

The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea on Saturday showcased premium New Zealand wines at its annual wine festival in Seoul, highlighting the country’s growing presence in South Korea’s premium wine market. Held under the theme “Where Wine Meets Art,” the event presented wine as “liquid art” shaped by terroir and time, while introducing Korean consumers to New Zealand’s wine culture, cuisine and lifestyle. “New Zealand wine is going from strength to strength in Korea’s premium wine market,

2026-05-24 18:52:24:00

[Bridge to Africa] Kenya launches Africa’s first university modelled on KAIST

Kenya has officially launched the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya AIST), a postgraduate research university modeled on the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, marking a major step in Africa’s science and technology ambitions. In a statement shared with The Korea Herald, the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul cited the institution as Africa’s first university to be modelled on KAIST and a symbol of the continent’s shift toward homegrown innovation

2026-05-20 14:53:04:00