On 20 December 2018 Ambassador Abdul Hakim Atarud had a courtesy call to H.E. Michael REITERER, Ambassador of EU to the Republic of Korea. During this meeting both Ambassadors discussed the mutual interest topics.
"The EU’s relationship with Afghanistan is guided by the EU Strategy for Afghanistan, adopted in 2017, aimed at strengthening the country’s institutions and economy. The 2017 Cooperation Agreement provides the basis for developing a mutually beneficial relationship in several areas such as: the rule of law, health, rural development, education, science and technology, the fights against terrorism, organized crime and narcotics."
Ambassador Atarud briefed the KIEP concerning the geo-economics importance of Afghanistan and needs for research in the field of economics. He also pinpointed the significance joint study and collaboration between Afghan-Korea scholars under the theme of "New Southern Policy".
"Founded in 1989, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) is a government-funded research institute established to conduct studies, research and analyses of global economic issues that impact the Korean economy, and to help guide the nation toward effective international economic policies."
On December 7, 2018 Ambassador Atarud paid a visit to Korea Development Institute (KDI) in Sejong City and met with Honorable Mr. YOU, Jong-Il, Dean of KDI School. During the meeting Ambassador Atarud thanked for the continuous support of this institutions in providing scholarship opportunities to the Afghan students, who are interested in obtaining their higher education in this university.
Ambassador Atarud stressed on different aspects of demand for educated people in the country and requested KDI School to increase the current quota of Master Program for Afghanistan as well as facilitating short term training or exposure visits for the civil servants of the country.
KDI School of Public Policy and Management was established in 1997 to educate and develop the next generation of leaders in today's rapidly changing and globalizing economy. The School offers an innovative educational program focusing on policy and international issues and aims to transform mid-career professionals into leaders of their respective fields by equipping them with new knowledge, vision and a global perspective.
KDI School also draws from a wealth of research and resources from the Korea Development Institute (KDI), the nation's leading economic think tank, to share Korea's unique development experience with the global community.
On 29 November 2018, Ambassador Atarud had a meeting with Honorable Mr. Hoon Sahib Soh, Special Representative of The World Bank to the Republic of Korea.
Besides other mutual interest topics, during the meeting Afghan Ambassador requested the support of World Bank Group office to encourage Korean Companies for investment in different sectors of Afghanistan.
On 29 November 2018, Ambassador Atarud had a meeting with Hon. Mr. Lee Sihyung, President of the Korea Foundation. At this meeting, he asked the KF to support launching cultural and trade exhibitions In order to project the real and genuine aspects of Afghan Culture to friendly people of Korea.
Korea Foundation is the designated public diplomacy organization of the Republic of Korea, promotes a better understanding of Korea within the international community and increases friendship and goodwill between Korea and the rest of the world. Its many programs and activities include support for Korean studies and Korean language acquisition; strengthening people-to-people interactions; promoting cultural exchanges; and creating networks between Korean think tanks and their foreign counterparts.
The goal of the conference is to show the solidarity of the international community with the Afghan people and the government in their efforts for peace and prosperity; and for the Afghan government to renew its commitment to development and reform. This is a crucial moment for the government and international community to demonstrate progress and commitment, and maintain the momentum for elections and opportunities for peace.
The conference will also be an opportunity to emphasise the importance of the development and reform agenda and the need to advance it as a constructive contribution to peace and security. This particular conference will also be crucial in measuring results against the $15.2 billion committed by the international community for Afghanistan in 2016.
The Geneva Conference on Afghanistan will be held between two pledging conferences: the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan (2016) and the next pledging conference expected to be held in 2020.
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On November 21,2018 Ambassador Atarud had a meeting with Mr. Pyung-oh, Kwon, President & CEO of KOTRA (Korea Trade- Investment Promotion Agency).
Over the meeting Ambassador Atarud briefed KOTRA regarding business and investment opportunity and laws, labor and land acquisition in Afghanistan. Two sides also discussed the prospect of trade between the two countries as well as joint collaboration between two sides in terms facilitating of Trade and Investment.
KOTRA is a leading Korean organization for supporting the entry of SMEs in the global markets and expand the dimension of economic cooperation with the world.
On 14 November 2018, Ambassador Atarud had courtesy meeting with Honorable Mrs. LEE Mikyung, President of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Ambassador Atarud offered his appreciation for the presence and the assistances provided through this Agency for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan over the last decades.
Besides other mutual interest topics Afghan side briefed Mrs. Lee on priority in health care sector of the country.
Courtesy meeting with His Excellency Lody Embrechts, Ambassador of Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Korea.
