• Three countries including Poland announce ban on Ukraine's grain imports

      Poland, Hungary and Slovakia have announced the introduction of a ban on Ukrainian grain imports.    The EU Commission has announced that it will not extend temporary import restrictions on Ukrainian grain from five countries: Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria.    The measure was agreed by the EU Commission and five Middle Eastern European countries, including Poland, earlier this year.It was introduced to temporarily ban imports to prevent the inflow of cheap grain from Ukraine, resulting in market disruptions and damaging farms.    Poland has expressed opposition to the decision which refusesthe extension, announcing a ban on imports of Ukrainian wheat and corn to protect the interests of Polish farmers.   In particular, wind power, which has been called a success story in Europe, faces various challenges.EU plans to propose a "European Wind Power Package" bill that will support rapid permits, improvement of power auction systems, manpower, financing, and stable supply chains.    Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government plans to file a complaint with the WTO against three countries, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia.Ukrainealready imposed retaliatory measures on some Polish agricultural products.    TarasKachka, head of Ukraine's trade representative, pointed out that the public backlash against the EU from Poland, Hungary and Slovakia could cause the biggest structural concerns regarding the EU's international trust as a partner representing all member states.    In particular, since Poland's import restrictions have the greatest impact on Ukrainian farmers, the government plans to ban the import of Polish agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables unless Poland withdraws the measures.    Regarding the claims that they protect farmers from falling prices due to the influx of low-cost Ukrainian grains, Ukraine criticized that grain prices are determined at a global level.    

• PresidentYoon Suk Yeol had a meeting with U.N. Secretary General António Guterres

    President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is visiting New York to attend the 78th high-level session of the U.N. General Assembly, met with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterresat the U.N.on September 19.They exchanged views on Korea-U.N. cooperation, Korean Peninsula issues and the war in Ukraine.    President Yoon emphasized the importance of global solidarity centered on the United Nations in today's era of complex crises and expressed his willingness to play a responsible role considering our international status. In particular, Korea expressed its eagerness to actively contribute to the promotion of peace in the international community as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the term 2024-25. Moreover, President Yoonrevealed our contribution to establishing peace in Ukraine, the biggest global issue.    Meanwhile, President Yoon said he expects to continue working with the United Nations to prevent North Korea's provocations and to substantially improve the human rights situation in North Korea.    Secretary-General Guterres expressed his gratitude for the Korean government's activities and contributions to the United Nations.He expects to communicate more closely to resolve major international issues during the period of Korea's non-permanentmember for the Security Council. In addition, Secretary-Generalreaffirmed his commitment to cooperation in denuclearizingand improving human rights in North Korea.    This was the third meeting between President Yoon and the Secretary-General.The meeting is believed to have served as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the two sides on North Korea and global issues as well as the cooperative relationship between South Korea and the United Nations.

• The President of EUCommission had an annual State-of-the-Union speech

    EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her last annual State-of-the-Union speech during the five-year tenure at the European Parliament on the 13th.    [Main contents of the speech]   ● Supporting the company's green transformation   As the Green Deal entersthe next stage, the EU plans to continue supporting European industries in the entire process of eco-friendly transformation. As part of this, the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) and the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) have already been proposed.   In the process of eco-friendly transformation, a series of ‘green transformation conversations’ with the industry will be held to identify the risks and support needs of the ecosystem by industry and to develop an industry-specific approach.   Wind power, which has been called a successful case in Europe, faces various challenges.EU plans to propose a ‘European Wind Power Package’ bill to support rapid licensing, power auction system improvement, manpower and financing, and stable supply chains.    ● Chinese electric vehicles   The executive committeementioned the global electric vehicle market is overflowing with low-cost Chinese vehicles. Huge government subsidies intentionally lowered the price. To address Chinese market distortion, the EU plans to launch an investigation into Chinese electric vehicles.   According to the principle that the EU is open to competition but avoids competition to the bottom, the EU plans to protect its boundary from Chinese unfair competition but continue to maintain dialogue.    ● EU economic challenges   [Inflation] It isexpected to be difficult to meet interest rate targets in the medium term.The energy prices have entered a stabilizing stage, with gas prices falling from 300 euros per MWh last year to around 35 euros now. It is considering whether the policy model for gas price stabilization can be applied to other fields such as critical raw materials or eco-friendly hydrogen. Unlike the previous oil crisis, this energy crisis served as an opportunity to accelerate huge investments in renewable energy and eco-friendly transformation in Europe.    

• South Korea's efforts to prevent desertification in Northeast Asia will be announced to the world

  The National Institute of Forest Science of the Korea Forest Service (Director Bae Jae-soo) announced the results of Korea's afforestation project to prevent desertification and reduce yellow dust in Northeast Asia, including China and Mongolia, at the 9th Kubuqi Desert held on August 26 and 27.   The Kubuqi International Desert Forum in China has been held every two years since 2007. The forum invites international organizations related to desertification prevention, such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), high-ranking Chinese officials, and experts from each country.    Dr. Park Ki-hyung of the Forest Ecology Research Department of the National Forest Research Institute presented the results of the Korea-China and Korea-Mongolia Desertification Prevention Project since 2000 and the effects of forestation through field research.   After the announcement, Chinese experts and local media, including China's National Forestry Plantation Bureau, expressed a lot of interest and gratitude for Korea's achievements in forestation projects to prevent desertification and long-term monitoring research.    "Korea has been carrying out afforestation projects since the early 2000s to prevent desertification in Northeast Asia. It is necessary to propose more accurate afforestation technology and tree species to new projects by analyzing the current situation, good points and improvements." said Yang Hee-moon. He also noted, "We will continue to establish a long-term monitoring and evaluation system through international joint research with China and Mongolia.”    

• President Yoon Suk Yeol attends 24th Korea-ASEAN Summit

    President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is visiting Jakarta, Indonesia to attend the 24th Korea-ASEAN Summit on September 6 (Wed), had in-depth discussions on the achievements of Korea-ASEAN cooperation and the direction of future cooperation. The participating countries adopted the 'Korea-ASEAN Summit Joint Statement on AOIP Cooperation'.    The president welcomed the "Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI)" announced by the Korean government last year, which has expanded the scope and depth of cooperation. President Yoon stressed that the KASI is based on firm support for ‘ASEAN Centrality’ and ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific(AOIP) regarding the Indo-Pacific region.    The president also noted that efforts to strengthen cooperation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan opened a new era of trilateral cooperation at the Camp David summit in August. The three countries stressed that they would coordinate their Indo-Pacific strategies and discover new areas of cooperation based on their full support for the ASEAN-led regional architecture.    President Yoonemphasized the urgent need for strong solidarity and close cooperation between countries to overcome the global complex crisis facing the international community today. Based on the KASI, the Korean government presented specific and practical contribution measures.    First, the president said he would strengthen security cooperation with ASEAN countries to protect a rule-based order for universal values. To this end,cooperation in the fields of defense, cyber security, drugs, and terrorism will be strengthened.    Second, the president expressed his willingness to contribute to ASEAN's creation of new growth engines, bridging the development gap, and common prosperity. Announcing that the ‘Korea-ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship Project’ will be launched next year, the president promised that the Korean government will continue to provide the necessary support to boost private investment in future industries such as digital, electric vehicles, batteries and smart cities.    Third, the president said he would actively promote cooperation with ASEAN in the field of climate change response and health. The‘Partnership for Korea-ASEAN Methane Action,’ which was launched in July, will systematically support ASEAN's methane reduction efforts and contribute to strengthening its ability to respond to infectious diseases by continuing cooperation with ASEAN in vaccine production and treatment development.    Meanwhile, President Yoon noted that South Korea has risen from the ruins of war and made a leap to become an advanced country.Korea aims to provide a platform to share these development experiences and seek solutions to the challenges facing humanity through theWorld Expo2030 Busan.    

• EU pushes for 'European Defense Production Act' within this year

    The EU Commission plans to push for the ‘European Defense Production Act’ to strengthen the EU's capacity in the defense industry, which will stipulate R&D and joint procurement.    Due to the war in Ukraine, the EU will push for the introduction of the ‘European Defense Production Act’ by reducing the lack of regional defense production capacity and the need to quickly supply defense materials if necessary.    The bill was recently discussed at the EU Defense Ministers' Council.Detailed information is expected to be announced at the annual corrective speech by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the 13th (Wed).    The bill will be used as a permanent legal framework for the production and supply of defense supplies in case of emergency, based on the ‘European DefenceIndustry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA),’which is a short-term framework for strengthening joint procurement and ammunition production capabilities.    The Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI) stipulates that in the event of an emergency, the executive officer orders the company to supply specific orders first, and the obligation to report corporate inventory. EU Council postponed bill negotiations and agreements, citing excessive corporate interference and lack of consultation time.    The Commission proposed an interim review of the EU budget in June, but the European Defense Production Act was excluded due to the use of additional budgets through the review.   Accordingly, it is pointed out that the "European Defense Fund" to support the development of technology in the defense industry and the "Peace facility" to finance exports of lethal and non-lethal weapons to third countries can be used as financial resources for the bill.    However, it is unclear how the ‘European DefenseProduction Act’ will be related to the European Defense Investment Program (EDIP) already proposed by the executive committee to exempt the defense industry from VAT.  

• Foreign Minister Park Jin attends the 'Bled Strategy Forum'

    Foreign Minister Park Jin attended the opening ceremony of the ’Bled Strategic Forum’ hosted by Slovenia's Foreign Ministry and the ‘Center for European Perspective’ on August 28 through the invitation of Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon.  Park was the first South Korean foreign minister to attend the Bled Strategy Forum to strengthen ties with countries in the Middle East at the forefront of the war, given that the war in Ukraine is not only sensitive to security and national interests in the region.  A total of seven figures, including five foreign ministers (Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Canada) and two vice minister-level officials, attended the Bled Strategy Forum ‘Multilateralism’ session as panels.  During the session, Park explained the results of the August 19 Camp David Korea-Japan summit, Korea-China relations, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.He proclaimed that South Korea will work closely with the U.S., Japan, and Slovenia next year to strengthen multilateralism at the U.N. level.  Minister Park stressed that cooperation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan has been firmly institutionalized through the Camp David Korea-U.S. and Japan summit, which has important implications for forming a global order, including Europe, as well as Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.  In particular, Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation and Korea-China friendship are not at odds with each other.The Korean government's basic position is to develop healthy and mature relations with China based on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and common interests.  As a non-permanent member of the Security Council next year, Park vowed that Korea will contribute to the peace and security of the international community.He proposed to actively cooperate with Slovenia, which is scheduled to be appointed as a non-permanent member of the Security Council next year.      

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-09-04

• President of Yoon Suk Yeol presides over the 29th Cabinet meeting

    President Yoon Suk Yeol stressed the importance of speeding up the recovery and supporting the areas affected by heavy rains in his closing remarks at the Cabinet meeting on July 18.    In his remarks, the president said, "Taxpayers' money should be actively used to wipe people's tears caused by disasters." President also called for "reducing all political subsidies inflowed for corruption and putting them into 100% conservation ofdamaged farms andcollapsed villages." Furthermore, the president reiterated, "We have imposed fiscal austerity to spend money on things like this. Government can spend an abundance of money to wipe the tears of the people."  Regarding the recent trip to Eastern Europe, the president said, "It is impossible to have global economic cooperation without global security cooperation with NATO members and partners," adding, "Security cooperation is the basis for economic cooperation, high-tech science, and technology cooperation."  The president also mentioned, "We should show through actions, not just words, that we support Ukraine and share values." President emphasized that strengthening global security cooperation is the way for strengthening economic cooperation.  

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-07-31

• Minister of Government Legislation Lee Wan-Kyu Visits U.S. Legislative Institutions

    [Leaders Times] Lee Wan-Kyu, Minister of Government Legislation, visited various U.S. legal institutions,includingthe U.S. Legislative Office of the House of Representatives, the State Department, the Department of Justice, and the Small and Medium Business Administration, from June 28th to July 2nd, for a three-night and five-day schedule.    The visit aims to strengthen cooperation in the legal field between the two nations through exchanges with U.S. legal institutions, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance. It also seeks to explore ways to improve the legal administration in Korea by sharing the experiences and cases of the U.S. legal administration as a global standard.    On the afternoon of the 28th, Lee met with E. Wade Ballou Jr., the Legislative Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives, and received an explanation about the overall legislative process of the U.S. Congress and the role of the House Judiciary Committee. They also discussed ways to effectively reflect the voice of the U.S. federal government, which does not have the right to submit bills, in the legislative process.    On June 29, the Minister also met Steven F. Fabry, the Deputy Legal Advisor of the U.S. Department of State. During this meeting, he listened to the role of the Department of State in diplomatic-related legislation and treaty-making processes. They also discussed institutional and non-institutional mechanisms to facilitate communication with Congress and resolve conflicts during the legislative process.    Afterward, Lee held meetings with Martin Lederman, the Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel, and others. The Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel has many things in common with the Ministry of Government Legislation, as it is responsible for providing legal advice to the President and federal government agencies, as well as conducting legal reviews of congressional bills and presidential executive orders.    This meeting provided an opportunity to learn about the legal advisory system of the Office of Legal Counsel and gain important insights for Korea’s Legal Affairs Bureau, including recent cases related to the separation of powers between the U.S. Congress and the executive branch.    On June 30, the Minister met with Patrick Delehanty, the Director of the Office of Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration, to share the experiencesof both countries in identifying and rectifying unfair laws and regulations that burden small business owners and SMEs. During this meeting, Lee introduced a recent case in which the Legal Affairs Bureau suspended or reduced sanctions to support small business owners who faced difficulties due to COVID-19 and economic crises.   Meanwhile, during meetings with various U.S. institutions, the Minister requested support and interest from the U.S. regarding Busan's bid to host the World Expo in 2030.    In addition, he met with Cho Hyun-Dong, the Korean Ambassador to the U.S., Park Il-Young, an Executive Director at the World Bank, and Kim Sang-Yeop, the Director of KOTRA Washington, to exchange views on major legal trends in the U.S.    Chief Lee Wan-Kyu expressed his thoughts on the visit, stating, "The United States is the country that gave birth to modern democracy with the presidential system," and further mentioned, "Through this visit, I will expand exchanges with advanced legal countries, including the U.S., and share and seek ways to improve the legal system of the Republic of Korea through diverse and substantive legal exchanges with countries around the world."

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-07-28

• Foreign Minister Park Jin had meeting with IAEA Secretary-General

    Foreign Minister Park Jin met with Rafael Mariano Grossi, secretary general of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA), who is visiting Korea, at the Foreign Ministry building on July 8.  Grossi explained to Minister Park the contents of the IAEA's comprehensive report on the safety of Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant sewage discharge plan.  Minister Park explained that the Korean government has consistently maintained that contaminated water should be treated in an objective and scientific way, in accordance with international law and international standards under the principle of putting people's health and safety as priority.  On the other hand, Minister Parkrecalled Korea's continuous cooperation with the IAEA in nonproliferation and peaceful use of nuclear power as a founding member of the IAEA, especially the country's successful role as chair of the IAEA board for one year in the past.  Furthermore, Minister Park highly evaluated the IAEA's effort to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, which has the highest authority and expertise in the field of nuclear nonproliferation.Both sides made an agreement for continuing cooperation more closely in response to the North Korean nuclear provocation. Ministeralso emphasizes the effort made by the IAEA and Secretary-General Grossito ensure the safety of nuclear power plants in Ukraine.

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-07-17

• PresidentYoon Suk Yeol presided over the '2023 National Fiscal Strategy Meeting'

    President Yoon Suk Yeol presided over the 2023 National Finance Strategy Meeting at the Blue House on June 28.The conference addressed the agenda of mid-term financial management for 23-27 and the direction of budgeting for 2014.  Since the inauguration of the Yoon’s government last year, this meeting has been a place to examine the financial management performance over the past year and discuss the role and tasks of finance to create national performance.  In the first session, the deputy prime minister for economic affairs announced the direction of budgeting and mid-term fiscal management for ‘24’, followed by discussions on fiscal innovation tasks such as private subsidies, low birth rates, balanced regional development spending restructuring and financial support methods. In the second session, participants discussed fiscal investment directions such as three major investment areas (defense, R&D, and welfare) and ODA to realize a global central country.  Despite the difficult financial conditions, the Yoon’s government will strengthen the nation's essential functions such as defense and law, expand future preparations and growth engines, and invest in welfare for the weak next year to firmly support national tasks, people's livelihoods, and economic vitality.  To improve budget efficiency, thegovernment will maintain a responsible and sustainable fiscal management stance, pursuing "let's spend it right where it's necessary" for future generations, not simply reducing spending.  The agendas discussed will be actively reflected in the '24 budget plan and the 23-27 national financial management plan.The plan will be submitted to the National Assembly in early September after consultation with related ministries.

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-07-03

• Foreign Minister Park Jin delivered a keynote speech at the50th Anniversary Forum.

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-07-03

• President Yoon Suk Yeol "Improvement of Korea-Japan Relations is confirmed to be great benefits for both countries."

    At the Korea-Japan summit on the 7th, President Yoon Suk Yeol said, "The two leaders confirmed that improving Korea-Japan relations would greatly benefit the people of both countries.We agreed to continue developing bilateral relations to a higher level."  "We once again agreed that Korea and Japan should cooperate closely in the process of responding to security, economy, and global agendas," President Yoon said in a joint press conference after havinga conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul.    Regarding economic cooperation, Yoon said, "Kishida and I agreed to strengthen cooperation in this area so that Korean chipmakers and Japan's leading small and medium-sized companies can build solid semiconductor supply chains together."  In addition, "Prime Minister Kishida and I shared the perception that North Korea's nuclear and missile development is a serious threat to peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula and Japan but also around the world.""We agreed that close communication and consultation between the leaders of the three countries, including the three-way summit, are very important in the upcoming G7 summit."  President Yoon said, "I hope that the G7 summit meeting will further shape cooperation on global issues such as health, global supply chain, and climate change."  Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida paid tribute to the National Cemetery in Dongjak-dong, Seoul, on his first visit to Korea.It is the first time in 12 years that an incumbent Japanese prime minister has visited the cemetery.      

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-05-14

• Six U.S. global companies in hydrogen, semiconductor, and eco-Friendly sector invest $1.9 billion

    The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that six U.S. companies attended the meeting held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Industry on April 25 (local time). The companies decided to invest worth $1.9 billionand report it to the Korean government.    The investment was significantly increased from the $1.15 billion which was reported at the roundtable held last September. It is meaningful that the two countries strengthen strategic economic and technological partnerships and cooperate more closely in supply chain and economic security.  The main contents of this investment report are to build clean hydrogen, semiconductor and semiconductor equipment parts,waste plastic recycling facilities and eco-friendly ultra-low temperature logistics network facilities in Koreain the fields of Air Products (Plug Power), On Semiconductor (Greene Tweed), and EMP Belstar, respectively.  ① Air Products' Green Ammonia-Green Hydrogen Terminal and Cracking production facilities, ②Plug Power's hydrogen technology R&D center, and hydrogen fuel cells are expected to contribute to the commercialization of clean hydrogen in Korea greatly.   ③ On Semiconductor's silicon carbidesemiconductor production facility and④Greene Tweed's special O-ring production facility for semiconductor equipment are expected to have a positive effect on strengthening the supply chain and technology cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. in the semiconductor sector, which is the core of economic security.  ⑤PureCycle Technologies' waste plastic recycling facility and ⑥ EMP Belstar's eco-friendly ultra-low temperature distribution center are expected to play a major role in transforming the domestic industrial structure to achieve carbon neutrality.  Minister Lee Chang-yang praised the investment report, saying that the Korea-U.S. allianceisdeveloping into an investment alliance beyond a military and security alliance.  The Ministry of Industry said they will actively support the successful implementation of this investment while continuing to improve the foreign investment environment by strengthening investment incentives for high-tech industries and innovating regulations that are discriminatory or do not meet global standards.  

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-05-06

• President Yoon Suk Yeol, Solution to Korea-Japan relation is to fulfill the promiseand make a decision for the future

    At the forefront of shorts video made by the president’s office, “The Buck Stops Here’ come on the scene.The president’s office tried to stress that the solution is president’s responsible decisionto resolve the strained Korea-Japan relationship over the past five years.  Further, the president’s office disclosed President Yoon's remarks, which emphasized that the solution to Korea-Japan relation is a promise to the people and a decision for the future, along with ‘shorts video.’   President Yoon asked the State Council members for policy support, saying, "We have made it clear from the beginning that it is urgent to resolve the issue of forced mobilization as soon as possible and promote exchanges in the economic, security, and culture sectors between Korea and Japan."  A total of 10 countries and international organizations, including Japan, the United States, the EU, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, Norway, Finland and the United Nations, have expressed their support.  U.S. President Joe Biden said, "The announcement of Korea and Japan has opened a new chapter in groundbreaking cooperation and partnership between the two closest allies of the U.S.," followed by support from U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez and Republican Secretary James Risch.  The UN also announced in its official position, "UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes recent positive exchanges and future-oriented dialogue between Korea and Japan."  The Yoon government said they will do their best by communicating closely with the victims to sincerely explain the announcement and listen to the victims' opinions. They will also strive to ensure the actual rights of victims and develop future-oriented relations between Korea and Japan, while continuing follow-up measures to ensure that solutions supported by the international community can be successfully implemented.  

  • Global News
  • 영어뉴스

  2023-04-16

• President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid

      On March 7, President Yoon Suk Yeol met Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud at the presidential office in Yongsan. They shared the security situation and shared opinions on major issues such as strengthening defense, defense cooperation between South Korea and Saudi Arabia.  President Yoon said that Korea-Saudi defense and defense cooperation will take a leap forward into a future-oriented strategic partnership with Minister Khalid's visit to Korea following the Korea-Saudi talks last November.  President Yoon said, "Please send warm regards to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 26 investment contracts and MOUs signed in last November are being actively promoted at the level of the pan-ministerial government by forming the Korea-Saudi Economic Cooperation Public-Private Promotion Committee and working-level support group." In addition, he said, "As very important economic and security partners, let's strengthen cooperation for the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East and international peace."  In response, Khalid said, "Korea-Saudi relations have established unprecedented economic and defense cooperation based on strong mutual understanding.The cooperation between the two countries has been refined since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Korea last November."  Saudi Arabia's General Staff Chief Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Ambassador of KoreaSami Alsadhan,and secretary of the general staff Hesham Abdulazizzonsaifattended the interview.  On the South Korean side, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, National Security Office First Deputy Director Kim Tae-hyo, National Security Office Second Deputy Director Im Jong-deuk and Defense Secretary Lim Ki-hoon attended the meeting.

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-03-12

실시간 영어뉴스 기사

• Three countries including Poland announce ban on Ukraine's grain imports

      Poland, Hungary and Slovakia have announced the introduction of a ban on Ukrainian grain imports.    The EU Commission has announced that it will not extend temporary import restrictions on Ukrainian grain from five countries: Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria.    The measure was agreed by the EU Commission and five Middle Eastern European countries, including Poland, earlier this year.It was introduced to temporarily ban imports to prevent the inflow of cheap grain from Ukraine, resulting in market disruptions and damaging farms.    Poland has expressed opposition to the decision which refusesthe extension, announcing a ban on imports of Ukrainian wheat and corn to protect the interests of Polish farmers.   In particular, wind power, which has been called a success story in Europe, faces various challenges.EU plans to propose a "European Wind Power Package" bill that will support rapid permits, improvement of power auction systems, manpower, financing, and stable supply chains.    Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government plans to file a complaint with the WTO against three countries, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia.Ukrainealready imposed retaliatory measures on some Polish agricultural products.    TarasKachka, head of Ukraine's trade representative, pointed out that the public backlash against the EU from Poland, Hungary and Slovakia could cause the biggest structural concerns regarding the EU's international trust as a partner representing all member states.    In particular, since Poland's import restrictions have the greatest impact on Ukrainian farmers, the government plans to ban the import of Polish agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables unless Poland withdraws the measures.    Regarding the claims that they protect farmers from falling prices due to the influx of low-cost Ukrainian grains, Ukraine criticized that grain prices are determined at a global level.    

  • 뉴스
  • 경제

  2023-09-25

• PresidentYoon Suk Yeol had a meeting with U.N. Secretary General António Guterres

    President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is visiting New York to attend the 78th high-level session of the U.N. General Assembly, met with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterresat the U.N.on September 19.They exchanged views on Korea-U.N. cooperation, Korean Peninsula issues and the war in Ukraine.    President Yoon emphasized the importance of global solidarity centered on the United Nations in today's era of complex crises and expressed his willingness to play a responsible role considering our international status. In particular, Korea expressed its eagerness to actively contribute to the promotion of peace in the international community as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the term 2024-25. Moreover, President Yoonrevealed our contribution to establishing peace in Ukraine, the biggest global issue.    Meanwhile, President Yoon said he expects to continue working with the United Nations to prevent North Korea's provocations and to substantially improve the human rights situation in North Korea.    Secretary-General Guterres expressed his gratitude for the Korean government's activities and contributions to the United Nations.He expects to communicate more closely to resolve major international issues during the period of Korea's non-permanentmember for the Security Council. In addition, Secretary-Generalreaffirmed his commitment to cooperation in denuclearizingand improving human rights in North Korea.    This was the third meeting between President Yoon and the Secretary-General.The meeting is believed to have served as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the two sides on North Korea and global issues as well as the cooperative relationship between South Korea and the United Nations.

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-09-25

• The President of EUCommission had an annual State-of-the-Union speech

    EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her last annual State-of-the-Union speech during the five-year tenure at the European Parliament on the 13th.    [Main contents of the speech]   ● Supporting the company's green transformation   As the Green Deal entersthe next stage, the EU plans to continue supporting European industries in the entire process of eco-friendly transformation. As part of this, the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) and the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) have already been proposed.   In the process of eco-friendly transformation, a series of ‘green transformation conversations’ with the industry will be held to identify the risks and support needs of the ecosystem by industry and to develop an industry-specific approach.   Wind power, which has been called a successful case in Europe, faces various challenges.EU plans to propose a ‘European Wind Power Package’ bill to support rapid licensing, power auction system improvement, manpower and financing, and stable supply chains.    ● Chinese electric vehicles   The executive committeementioned the global electric vehicle market is overflowing with low-cost Chinese vehicles. Huge government subsidies intentionally lowered the price. To address Chinese market distortion, the EU plans to launch an investigation into Chinese electric vehicles.   According to the principle that the EU is open to competition but avoids competition to the bottom, the EU plans to protect its boundary from Chinese unfair competition but continue to maintain dialogue.    ● EU economic challenges   [Inflation] It isexpected to be difficult to meet interest rate targets in the medium term.The energy prices have entered a stabilizing stage, with gas prices falling from 300 euros per MWh last year to around 35 euros now. It is considering whether the policy model for gas price stabilization can be applied to other fields such as critical raw materials or eco-friendly hydrogen. Unlike the previous oil crisis, this energy crisis served as an opportunity to accelerate huge investments in renewable energy and eco-friendly transformation in Europe.    

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-09-18

• South Korea's efforts to prevent desertification in Northeast Asia will be announced to the world

  The National Institute of Forest Science of the Korea Forest Service (Director Bae Jae-soo) announced the results of Korea's afforestation project to prevent desertification and reduce yellow dust in Northeast Asia, including China and Mongolia, at the 9th Kubuqi Desert held on August 26 and 27.   The Kubuqi International Desert Forum in China has been held every two years since 2007. The forum invites international organizations related to desertification prevention, such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), high-ranking Chinese officials, and experts from each country.    Dr. Park Ki-hyung of the Forest Ecology Research Department of the National Forest Research Institute presented the results of the Korea-China and Korea-Mongolia Desertification Prevention Project since 2000 and the effects of forestation through field research.   After the announcement, Chinese experts and local media, including China's National Forestry Plantation Bureau, expressed a lot of interest and gratitude for Korea's achievements in forestation projects to prevent desertification and long-term monitoring research.    "Korea has been carrying out afforestation projects since the early 2000s to prevent desertification in Northeast Asia. It is necessary to propose more accurate afforestation technology and tree species to new projects by analyzing the current situation, good points and improvements." said Yang Hee-moon. He also noted, "We will continue to establish a long-term monitoring and evaluation system through international joint research with China and Mongolia.”    

  • 뉴스
  • 사회

  2023-09-18

• President Yoon Suk Yeol attends 24th Korea-ASEAN Summit

    President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is visiting Jakarta, Indonesia to attend the 24th Korea-ASEAN Summit on September 6 (Wed), had in-depth discussions on the achievements of Korea-ASEAN cooperation and the direction of future cooperation. The participating countries adopted the 'Korea-ASEAN Summit Joint Statement on AOIP Cooperation'.    The president welcomed the "Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI)" announced by the Korean government last year, which has expanded the scope and depth of cooperation. President Yoon stressed that the KASI is based on firm support for ‘ASEAN Centrality’ and ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific(AOIP) regarding the Indo-Pacific region.    The president also noted that efforts to strengthen cooperation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan opened a new era of trilateral cooperation at the Camp David summit in August. The three countries stressed that they would coordinate their Indo-Pacific strategies and discover new areas of cooperation based on their full support for the ASEAN-led regional architecture.    President Yoonemphasized the urgent need for strong solidarity and close cooperation between countries to overcome the global complex crisis facing the international community today. Based on the KASI, the Korean government presented specific and practical contribution measures.    First, the president said he would strengthen security cooperation with ASEAN countries to protect a rule-based order for universal values. To this end,cooperation in the fields of defense, cyber security, drugs, and terrorism will be strengthened.    Second, the president expressed his willingness to contribute to ASEAN's creation of new growth engines, bridging the development gap, and common prosperity. Announcing that the ‘Korea-ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship Project’ will be launched next year, the president promised that the Korean government will continue to provide the necessary support to boost private investment in future industries such as digital, electric vehicles, batteries and smart cities.    Third, the president said he would actively promote cooperation with ASEAN in the field of climate change response and health. The‘Partnership for Korea-ASEAN Methane Action,’ which was launched in July, will systematically support ASEAN's methane reduction efforts and contribute to strengthening its ability to respond to infectious diseases by continuing cooperation with ASEAN in vaccine production and treatment development.    Meanwhile, President Yoon noted that South Korea has risen from the ruins of war and made a leap to become an advanced country.Korea aims to provide a platform to share these development experiences and seek solutions to the challenges facing humanity through theWorld Expo2030 Busan.    

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-09-11

• EU pushes for 'European Defense Production Act' within this year

    The EU Commission plans to push for the ‘European Defense Production Act’ to strengthen the EU's capacity in the defense industry, which will stipulate R&D and joint procurement.    Due to the war in Ukraine, the EU will push for the introduction of the ‘European Defense Production Act’ by reducing the lack of regional defense production capacity and the need to quickly supply defense materials if necessary.    The bill was recently discussed at the EU Defense Ministers' Council.Detailed information is expected to be announced at the annual corrective speech by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the 13th (Wed).    The bill will be used as a permanent legal framework for the production and supply of defense supplies in case of emergency, based on the ‘European DefenceIndustry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA),’which is a short-term framework for strengthening joint procurement and ammunition production capabilities.    The Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI) stipulates that in the event of an emergency, the executive officer orders the company to supply specific orders first, and the obligation to report corporate inventory. EU Council postponed bill negotiations and agreements, citing excessive corporate interference and lack of consultation time.    The Commission proposed an interim review of the EU budget in June, but the European Defense Production Act was excluded due to the use of additional budgets through the review.   Accordingly, it is pointed out that the "European Defense Fund" to support the development of technology in the defense industry and the "Peace facility" to finance exports of lethal and non-lethal weapons to third countries can be used as financial resources for the bill.    However, it is unclear how the ‘European DefenseProduction Act’ will be related to the European Defense Investment Program (EDIP) already proposed by the executive committee to exempt the defense industry from VAT.  

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-09-11

• President Yoon Suk Yeolpresides over the State Council for Deliberation and Resolution of the '2024 Budget'

  “Sound finance is the reason why major international credit rating agencies positively evaluate Korea's external credibility." the president said in a Cabinet meeting to deliberate and resolve the 2024 budget bill at the presidential office in Yongsan.  The president cited a 2.8 percent increase in total spending next year to 656.9 trillion won, the slowest increase after 2005. "By reviewing all financial projects, we drastically cut the budget for political subsidies and interest cartels to carry out a total 23 trillion won of expenditure restructuring."  First of all, the Korean government will focus on three key areas: realizing welfare for the weak, strengthening the nation's essential roles such as defense and rule of law, and securing growth engines to create high-quality jobs.  The president also emphasized youth independence, tuition support, and job-related budgets in detail.  Regarding youth independence and tuition support, the president mentioned "We will raise the allowance for youth who prepare for self-reliance from 400,000 won to 500,000 won. We plan to support 2,750 youth who are closely managed before and after the end of the protection period.”  Regarding the budget for responding to climate change,"We will invest 6.3 trillion won to overhaul the national flood response system," adding, "We will push for river dredging and maintenance in earnest for the safety and measurement of the people."  The president said"More than 200 billssubmitted to take care of the people's livelihood and the economy are not crossing the threshold of the National Assembly.Please make all-out efforts to focus on major bills dealing with our people's livelihoods and future food."      

  • Global News
  • 영어뉴스

  2023-09-04

• Foreign Minister Park Jin attends the 'Bled Strategy Forum'

    Foreign Minister Park Jin attended the opening ceremony of the ’Bled Strategic Forum’ hosted by Slovenia's Foreign Ministry and the ‘Center for European Perspective’ on August 28 through the invitation of Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon.  Park was the first South Korean foreign minister to attend the Bled Strategy Forum to strengthen ties with countries in the Middle East at the forefront of the war, given that the war in Ukraine is not only sensitive to security and national interests in the region.  A total of seven figures, including five foreign ministers (Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Canada) and two vice minister-level officials, attended the Bled Strategy Forum ‘Multilateralism’ session as panels.  During the session, Park explained the results of the August 19 Camp David Korea-Japan summit, Korea-China relations, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.He proclaimed that South Korea will work closely with the U.S., Japan, and Slovenia next year to strengthen multilateralism at the U.N. level.  Minister Park stressed that cooperation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan has been firmly institutionalized through the Camp David Korea-U.S. and Japan summit, which has important implications for forming a global order, including Europe, as well as Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.  In particular, Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation and Korea-China friendship are not at odds with each other.The Korean government's basic position is to develop healthy and mature relations with China based on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and common interests.  As a non-permanent member of the Security Council next year, Park vowed that Korea will contribute to the peace and security of the international community.He proposed to actively cooperate with Slovenia, which is scheduled to be appointed as a non-permanent member of the Security Council next year.      

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-09-04

• Pakistan Textile Industry Crisis

  Pakistan's textile industry is facing fierce competition with Asian countries, with its declining position.   The majortextile-exporting countries are China, Germany, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan.  Pakistan is the world's fifth-largest cotton exporter, with its textile industry accounting for 60% of the country's total exports.They are facing a crisis due to rising energy costs and national political conditions caused by the war in Ukraine.  Textile exports fell about 15% from $19.3 billion in Fiscal Year 21/22 to $16.5 billion in Fiscal Year22/23.  Pakistan Textile supplies cotton, knitwear, and linen to global brands such as ZARA, H&M, and Adidas.  Production fell to an all-time low, particularly as the worst downpour in 2022 flooded 45% cotton crops. As a result, exports were difficult due to a shortage of raw materials and an increase in production costs.  The clothing and textile sector accounts for about 40% of Pakistan's manufacturing workers.Unfortunately, it is estimated that 25-30% of textile factories are currently out of operation and about 700,000 jobs have been lost.  The Pakistani government announced plans to increase textile exports to $25.3 billion in 2025 and raise cotton production to 20 million bales by 2027.  However, Pakistani textile producers said that due to political instability and economic turmoil, it would not be possible to meet the textile export target.    

  • 뉴스
  • 경제

  2023-08-28

• Germany falls short of EU greenhouse gas reduction targets

    Germany is expected to pay up to 30 billion euros in fines for over-emission of more than 150 million tons of carbon, compared to the EU's carbon emission target.  The EU tries to accelerate the ‘Fit for 55’ package to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%, compared to 1990 by 2030. In March, the EU adopted an amendment to Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) to reduce carbon emissions by 40% compared to 2005.  ESR differentiates carbon emission targets for each member country according to the size of its economy. The five richest countries, including Germany, have been obliged to reduce carbon emissions by 50%.  In the case of Germany, it is analyzed that carbon emissions in the construction and transportation sectors have increased significantly. Accordingly, Germany was expected to purchase Certified Emission Reduction(CER)from other countries.  Germany chose an integrated reduction target, not a sector-specific one, stillconcernedabout the possibility that more than 200 million tons of excessive carbon emissionscould be produced by 2030.  Germany has already purchased 11 million carbon credits from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Hungary at low prices in the past.Analysts predict the implementation of the Fit for 55 package will reduce residual emissions and set high prices.  The gap between Germany's target and actual emissions is expected to grow 15 times from 2021 to 2027. As a result, at least 7.5 billion to30 billion euros of fines are expected in the future.  

  • 뉴스
  • 정치

  2023-08-28