On December 10, 2018 during a visit to Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) in Sejong City, Ambassador Atarud met with hon. Mr. Jae-Young Lee, President of this research institute. 

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."