1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the “2019 ROK-GRULAC Cooperation Seminar and Noche de Amistad (Friendship Night)” with the diplomatic corps of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean countries (GRULAC) in Seoul and Korean experts on Latin America at the Grand Hilton Seoul hotel on December 13.

o The event consisted of “part 1: Seminar” and “part 2: Noche de Amistad (Friendship Night)” with the aim of reviewing the progress in cooperation between the ROK and Latin America and the Caribbean for the past year, and discussing ways to increase cooperation next year, as well as enhancing mutual understanding between GRULAC, the ROK government and civilian experts.

2. At the seminar, chaired by Mr. Jo Yung-joon, Director-General for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials from the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare explained the progress of the ROK-Latin America Free Trade Agreement (FTA); the accomplishments in the ROK-LAC cooperation in 2019 as well as plans for 2020; public diplomacy towards Latin America and the Caribbean; and the ROK-LAC cooperation in smart healthcare. They also exchanged views on ways to step up future-oriented cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries.

3. At the “Noche de Amistad (Friendship Night)” event, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Lee Tae-ho delivered congratulatory remarks, which were followed by networking opportunities through direct communication for GRULAC, officials from relevant government agencies and public institutions, and civilian experts on Latin America and the Caribbean.

o In his congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Lee took note of close cooperation between the ROK and Latin America and the Caribbean. He went on to stress the need to identify areas for future cooperation, including e-government, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, cybersecurity, and responses to climate change, as well as the need to expand the FTA network. He also requested Latin American and Caribbean countries’ continued interest and support to achieve denuclearization and establish lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

4. The event is seen to have showed the ROK government’s interest and willingness to enhance cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as served as a good opportunity for GRULAC, the ROK government and private organizations to discuss ways to promote multilayered all-around cooperation.