Rep. Lee Hyung-seok Meets Argentine Ambassador... Emphasizes Expansion of Exchange Between Mothers' Associations of Both Countries

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Rep. Lee Hyung-seok (Democratic Party of Korea, Gwangju Buk-gu Eul) met with Alfredo Carlos BASCOU, Ambassador of Argentina to Korea, on the 22nd to discuss ways to enhance exchanges between the two countries on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Rep. Lee and Ambassador Bascou discussed economic exchanges, including the utilization of Argentine territory owned by the Republic of Korea, as well as the need to strengthen social and cultural exchanges to spread the valuable experiences of both countries in achieving democracy against military dictatorships.

In particular, Rep. Lee emphasized that Argentina’s “Mothers of Plaza de Mayo” and Gwangju’s “May Mothers” should share their journeys in protecting the universal human values of democracy and human rights and continue international exchanges based on the values of democracy and human rights.

The May Mothers of Gwangju led the movement to release family members detained by the new military regime of Chun Doo-hwan in May 1980 and took the lead in uncovering the truth of May Gwangju.

Currently, they are engaged in educational projects to inherit the spirit of May 18 and the May Mothers Award project.

Argentina’s “Mothers of Plaza de Mayo” began their struggle in 1977 to find children who were kidnapped and disappeared during the military dictatorship and held rallies and marches every Wednesday at Plaza de Mayo in the capital, Buenos Aires.

The “Mothers of Plaza de Mayo” visited Korea in June 1994 at the invitation of the Korean Council of Families for Democracy and Practice (Minkahyeop), and a photo exhibition depicting them was held in Gwangju in June 2015.

Ambassador Bascou also expressed gratitude in response to Rep. Lee’s views emphasizing the expansion of political, economic, social, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Rep. Lee is currently serving as the vice president of the 21st National Assembly’s “Korea-Argentina Parliamentary Friendship Association.”