**Korea’s Ambassador to Georgia: A New Chapter in Friendship and Cooperation**
As I settled into my new role as the first resident Ambassador of Korea to Georgia, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the country’s breathtaking natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food and wine. The comparisons to Switzerland, Italy, and France are indeed apt, and I’m excited to explore this beautiful nation further.
**A Growing Partnership**
The number of Korean visitors to Georgia has been steadily increasing, from 14,000 in 2023 to 26,000 in 2024. This growth is a promising sign that people-to-people exchanges can lead to direct flights, business partnerships, and expanded trade and investment between our two nations. As Ambassador, I’m hopeful that this trend will continue, and we’ll see more Koreans discovering the wonders of Georgia.
**A Strong Foundation**
The diplomatic relations between Korea and Georgia were established 33 years ago in 1992, with the opening of a Tbilisi office in 2015. Last year, we upgraded the office to an embassy, further strengthening our friendship and ties. With my arrival, our mission is now fully empowered to explore new areas of cooperation and deepen existing ones.
**Economic Opportunities**
The recent surge in people-to-people exchanges has paved the way for increased economic cooperation between Korea and Georgia. The Economic Partnership Agreement, similar to a free-trade agreement, was agreed upon last November and is set to be signed soon. This will provide a solid foundation for growth in bilateral trade and investment.
**Unlocking Potential**
In Korea, we’re entering a new era of transformation, marked by AI, climate change, and shifts in the international order. President Lee Jae-myung’s inaugural address emphasized the need to take the lead in driving these changes rather than following behind. I agree that this presents opportunities for growth and innovation.
**Georgia’s Potential**
As a country with rich cultural assets, Georgia has untapped economic potential in areas like renewable energy, tourism, and connectivity. By leveraging its unique brand, marketing Georgia as a destination can help elevate future exports of home-grown products.
**A Korean Tamada**
As Ambassador, my goal is to build partnerships between Korea and Georgia by identifying the hidden gems that this beautiful country has to offer. Like a tamada – a toastmaster at a traditional Georgian supra – I’ll strive to connect people, bring out their best, and unify them for a purposeful end.
**A Bright Future**
With our embassy fully empowered to explore new areas of cooperation, we’re committed to further deepening the already robust friendship between Korea and Georgia. As a Korean tamada, I’m excited to embark on this journey with you!
By Hyon Du KIM, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Georgia
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