First Special Envoys Dispatched After President Lee's Inauguration
Aimed at Restoring Korean Diplomacy and Strengthening Cooperation
President Lee Jaemyung is working to dispatch special envoys to about ten countries, including the United States, Japan, and China, within this month. The presidential office is reportedly coordinating internally and consulting with the respective countries regarding a preliminary list of special envoys to be sent to these major nations.
Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, stated during a briefing at the Yongsan presidential office on the 5th, "The government is currently pursuing the dispatch of special envoys to major countries," and added, "The specific details are still being coordinated with the respective countries, and since consultations have not been finalized, it is difficult to make any official announcement before then."
The countries to which special envoys may be dispatched reportedly include, in addition to the United States, Japan, and China, the European Union (EU), France, Australia, India, and Canada. It appears that the scope of special envoys, which previously focused on the four major powers surrounding Korea, will be expanded to include European and Indo-Pacific countries.
This dispatch of special envoys is interpreted as President Lee's effort to signal the restoration of Korea's diplomacy since his inauguration and to deliver his message of further strengthening cooperative relations. The presidential office is also reportedly considering whether to send a special envoy to Russia.
Meanwhile, former President Yoon Sukyeol, during his time as president-elect, sent policy consultation delegations with the character of special envoys to the United States and Japan. Former President Moon Jaein, early in his term, dispatched special envoys to the United States, China, Japan, Russia, and the EU.
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