Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki Presides Over the 'Korea-Russia 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Commemoration Project Preparation Committee' Meeting

First Official Meeting After Enforcement of the Revised Directive

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, chaired the '1st Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-Russia Diplomatic Relations' at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 21st, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

In June 2018, the Korea-Russia leaders designated 2020, the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, as the 'Year of Korea-Russia Mutual Exchange' and agreed to form preparatory committees from both countries to closely cooperate in holding commemorative events. The co-chairs of the preparatory committees are Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki and Yuri Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Far East.

This preparatory committee meeting was the first official meeting held after the enforcement of the revised ordinance discussed at the 'Korea-Russia 30th Anniversary Commemorative Project Promotion Review Meeting' chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hong.

At the meeting, the plan for promoting the Korea-Russia 30th anniversary commemorative project was presented, categorizing the Korea-Russia commemorative projects into four major areas: mutual prosperity, future orientation, creative innovation, and open participation. Together with the Russian side, three key programs per category were selected as the 12 major 'joint brand program plans.' Corresponding 50 individual projects from both sides were tentatively set as Korean proposals.

The matters resolved at this meeting will be finalized and announced during the ongoing Korea-Russia co-chair consultation scheduled for March, following practical discussions with the Russian side.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "With the completion of the preparatory committee system and the full-scale activation of its activities, it is expected that the promotion of Korea-Russia commemorative projects by related ministries will gain more momentum centered on the preparatory committee." The official added, "The government plans to closely manage and promote various commemorative projects prepared this year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations so that they resonate with the peoples of both countries and yield tangible results."