Today at Cheong Wa Dae, President Moon Jae-in received diplomatic credentials from 17 new ambassadors to Korea. Attending the credentials presentation ceremony held for two hours from 3:00 p.m. were five ambassadors assigned to permanent diplomatic missions in Korea and 12 ambassadors to Korea who are posted in neighboring countries.

Speaking after the ceremony, President Moon expressed the hope that bilateral relations with the ambassadors’ home countries would progress further. The President also called for the new ambassadors’ continued interest in and support for complete denuclearization and the settlement of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The ambassadors conveyed their deepest sympathy for the loss of lives in the sightseeing boat accident involving Korean tourists in Hungary on May 29.

President Moon replied by saying that many Koreans are grieving over the tragic accident, thanking the ambassadors for their condolences. The President went on to explain that search efforts for those missing are well underway and that every Korean is ardently waiting for them all to return home safely. He asked the ambassadors to share in this wish.

President Moon asked for their understanding regarding Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha’s absence, saying that although the Minister usually attends the ceremony in which new ambassadors present their diplomatic credentials, she flew to Hungary to deal with the aftermath of the boat accident. 

Slovakia's new Ambassador to Korea Jan Kuderjavy said that Slovakia is far from Korea, but there is a high level of interest in the Korean Peninsula. The Ambassador then wished for peace on the Peninsula, adding that he is well aware of how hard President Moon is working to this end. 

Italy's new Ambassador to Korea Federico Failla first noted that diplomatic ties between Korea and Italy date back more than 130 years and added that he looked forward to bilateral cooperation being enhanced based on the long-standing relations in all sectors, including the economy, trade and culture. 

At the ensuing meeting with non-resident ambassadors, President Moon gave words of welcome, adding that this is the first time he has sat down with non-resident ambassadors following his inauguration.  

President Moon said, “After seeing 12 ambassadors from continents around the world, including Asia, Europe and Africa, I’ve once again realized just how wide the diplomatic stage is where we should work together and promote mutual prosperity.” He asked for steadfast support for the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.  

The non-resident ambassadors delivered words of comfort for the sinking of the sightseeing boat in Hungary and expressed their active support for the Korean Government’s efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula. 

President Moon extended his gratitude, asking the ambassadors to pray for the safe return of the missing passengers who were aboard the ship. 

President Moon said, “Although some countries do not have permanent diplomatic missions in Korea, I believe that they all have potential in various areas such as trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. I ask you to endeavor to develop bilateral, friendly cooperative relations.”