Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Dear Friends,

My name is SHIN Mantaek, the 10th Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste is an island country, the size of Korea's Gangwon-do, which is located between Bali, Indonesia, and Darwin, northern Australia, with a population of 1.3 million and mainly exports coffee and oil.

The relationship between Korea and Timor-Leste dates back to 1999 at the APEC Summit , where former President Kim Dae Jung placed a strong emphasis on the need for the international community to provide assistance to Timor-Leste. Also, Dr. Sohn Bong-Scuk served as the Commissioner of the UN International Electoral Commission(IEC) for the Popular Consultation of Timor Leste in 1999 and as the Chair of the UN IEC for the 2001 Constituent Assembly of Timor-Leste. These two events contributed to the independence and state-building of Timor-Leste.

In particular, Korea contributed to the establishment of peace and stability in Timor-Leste by dispatching about 3,000 UN international peacekeepers (also known as the 'Blue Angels') for four years from 1999 to 2003. Sadly, five soldiers lost their lives while serving their mission in Oecusee.

Korea also plays a valuable part in the sports field. The Korean Embassy is working hard to generate interest in Taekwondo in Timor-Leste. And in fact the Timorese National youth soccer team has won world championship under the guidance of Korean coach Kim Shin-hwan.

As Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Timor-Leste I will indeed exert heartfelt efforts to further deepen the ties of friendship between Korea and Timor-Leste. And I would indeed most sincerely appreciate your interest and support.

In addition, Korea is promoting active multilateral/bilateral development cooperation projects in Timor-Leste. KOICA has been carrying out a wide range of aid activities in various fields such as education, health, gender equality, and capacity building. Meanwhile, about 1000 Timorese workers are being dispatched to Korea every year through Employment Permit System (EPS), which was agreed by both countries.

Currently, about 130 Koreans are living in Timor-Leste. The Embassy of Korea in Dili will do our best to protect and promote the rights and interests of our communities who are active here, and we will do our best as a salesman for the successful business of our entrepreneurs.

Based on the noble sacrifice of the Evergreen Unit, we will do our best to maximize the national interest of the Republic of Korea and contribute to the freedom, peace and prosperity of Timor-Leste and the international community as a global hub befitting its national status.

I sincerely appreciate your interest and support.