Cheong "Woo Yoon-geun, Former Ambassador to Russia, Dispatched to Russia as Presidential Special Envoy"

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] The Blue House announced on the 11th that "Former Ambassador to Russia Woo Yoon-geun will be dispatched to Russia as a presidential special envoy from the 13th to the 19th."

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated in a written briefing that "This is to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Korea-Russia diplomatic relations this year and to explore ways to develop bilateral relations," adding, "Special Envoy Woo will meet with high-ranking officials from the Russian government and parliament to convey our government's firm commitment to the development of Korea-Russia relations and discuss measures to enhance friendly cooperation between the two countries."

Spokesperson Kang also explained, "Taking this visit to Russia as an opportunity, we will review the follow-up measures after the leaders' phone call in September and exchange views on ways to activate high-level personnel exchanges and consultation channels between the two countries," adding, "We plan to request Russia's constructive role and continuous cooperation for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace."

President Moon Jae-in, in his first year in office in September 2017, presented the '9 Bridges Strategy' at the 3rd Eastern Economic Forum held in Vladivostok, Russia, which links the development of Russia's Far East with Korea's northern development to expand cooperation in nine sectors including gas, electricity, shipbuilding, Arctic routes, railroads, ports, jobs, agriculture, and fisheries.

Regarding this, Spokesperson Kang added, "Discussions will also be held to concretize the '9 Bridges' cooperation, create successful cases, and expand and deepen practical economic cooperation between the two countries."

The government initially planned to invite President Vladimir Putin to Korea this year to mark the 30th anniversary of Korea-Russia diplomatic relations, but the visit was effectively postponed to next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, it was decided to extend the 'Year of Korea-Russia Mutual Exchange' until next year, and discussions are expected on commemorative events as well as COVID-19 response and health cooperation measures.

Spokesperson Kang said, "This special envoy dispatch is expected to continue the momentum for the development of Korea-Russia relations on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, despite the constraints on face-to-face diplomacy due to COVID-19, and reaffirm the strategic communication will between the two countries for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace."

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