1. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Russia in 2015, President Park Geun-hye of the ROK exchanged celebratory messages with President Vladimir Putin of Russia on September 30.

* The ROK and Russia established diplomatic relations on September 30, 1990.

2. In her message, President Park, taking note of the rapid advances in the bilateral relations across the board over the past 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1990, called the Eurasia Express project in July as a significant opportunity to reaffirm the friendship between the peoples of the two countries and the potential for bilateral cooperation.

◦ In addition, President Park, emphasizing that the ROK and Russia are mutually beneficial and future-oriented partners, conveyed hope that Russia’s policy for the development of its Far East and Siberia region and the ROK’s Eurasia Initiative will create synergistic effect toward co-prosperity in Eurasia. She also expressed hope that the two countries will increase cooperation in efforts to achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, including the Trust-Building Process on the Korean Peninsula and the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative.

3. President Putin noted with appreciation that the two countries have accumulated experiences and built partnership conducive to addressing important regional and global issues over the past quarter century, and expressed confidence that continued cooperation between the two countries will help promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

4. In a move similar to that made by the heads of state of the two countries, Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations. In his message, Minister Yun expressed hope for continued constructive contribution of the Russian government to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. Minister Lavrov conveyed confidence that increased cooperation between the two countries will help guarantee peace and stability in the region.

◦ Minister Yun also voiced hope that various events taking place in Seoul and Moscow to mark the anniversary will help promote mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

5. In addition to the exchanges of celebratory messages between their heads of state and Foreign Ministers, the ROK and Russia are holding a variety of meaningful events, including cultural performances and academic forums, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2015.


* unofficial translation