Ambasada Republike Koreje u Republici Srbiji

1. Diplomatic Relations

Korea opened diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia in December 1989. Although both countries have maintained friendly mutual relations ever since, Korea had to close its diplomatic presence in Belgrade in June 1998 following the turbulent situation in Yugoslavia. In March 1999 Yugoslavia also closed its mission in Seoul.

As Yugoslavia restored stability following the events of October 2000, Korea reopened its Embassy in Belgrade in March 2002. Two years later, in March 2004 newly named Serbia and Montenegro established a diplomatic presence in Seoul and officially reopened its Embassy in May 2005.

2. Bilateral Relations

In March 1990 Foreign Minister Choi of Korea officially visited Yugoslavia for the first time. In response, President Jovic paid a visit to Korea in November 1990. In May 1991 Mr. Park Dong-jin, a Special Envoy of the President, visited Yugoslavia.

More recently, in August 2002 Mr. Hwang Doo-yeon, Trade Minister of Korea led a trade delegation to Serbia and Montenegro. In the same year Mr. Svilanovic, Foreign Minister of Serbia and Montenegro visited Korea.

The official channel of consultation between the two governments is the annual 'Policy Consulation', which was inaugurated in 2004. The first Consultation was attended by Deputy Minister Lee Soo-hyeok and Assistant Minister Crnogorcevic in Seoul. The second Consultation was held in Belgrade in June 2005 at the Director-General level.

The current stage of bilateral relations between Korea and Serbia and Montenegro may be described as an infrastructure-building stage. Both of our countries are working to introduce each others' culture, way of life, and economy to the other side, which, in turn, will serve as the basis of strengthened relationship in the future. In particular, Korea established a KOTRA(Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) office in Belgrade, which provides a focal point for business-persons in both countries. The Korean Embassy in Belgrade intends to expedite the construction of diplomatic infrastructures for our mutual benefits.