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Relocation of Gaza residents to Indonesia not true: embassy
The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul has denied claims that some of Gaza’s 2 million inhabitants could be relocated to Indonesia as part of postconflict reconstruction efforts. In a press statement shared with The Korea Herald on Wednesday, the embassy underlined that the Indonesian government had neither received any information nor been approached with any plans concerning such a relocation. The statement follows a report by US TV network NBC that Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s Middle East
Jan. 22, 2025 -
Rubio says US will seek to prevent, avoid conflict, but 'never at expense of American security, interests'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the United States will seek to prevent and avoid conflict, but never at the expense of its national security, interests and core values, as the former Florida senator took office to lead the State Department. Rubio made the remarks during a welcoming ceremony at the department, noting that President Donald Trump's "overriding" global policy goal is to promote peace and avoid conflict, while underlining Trump's foreign policy mission to advance Ame
Jan. 22, 2025 -
India's Assam looks for Korean support in semiconductors, green tech
The government of the Indian state of Assam urged Korean companies to take part in its semiconductor and green technology sectors at a roadshow event in Seoul on Monday. “Assam is driving innovation and ensuring a sustainable, low-carbon economy,” the state's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma underlined in his keynote speech discussing Assam's strategic advantages, investment-friendly policies, and vision for sustainable industrial growth. He visited South Korea to attract investors for Advanta
Jan. 21, 2025 -
Trump signs memorandum directing trade representative to review existing US trade deals
US President Donald Trump on Monday signed a memorandum on "America First" trade policy calling for a review of existing US trade agreements to seek "reciprocal and mutually advantageous" concessions with respect to free trade partners, the White House said. Trump did not mention South Korea in the memorandum, but the document raised the possibility that the South Korea-US free trade agreement could be subject to a fresh review. "The United States Trade Representative shall review existing Unite
Jan. 21, 2025 -
Trump calls N. Korea 'nuclear power,' says he 'got along very well' with Kim
US President Donald Trump on Monday described North Korea as a "nuclear power" and anticipated that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will be "happy" to see his return to the White House. During a press availability at the Oval Office, Trump made his first public mention of the recalcitrant regime since he was sworn in as the United States' 47th president in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington earlier in the day. "I was very friendly with him. He liked me. I liked him. We got along very well. They t
Jan. 21, 2025 -
US voices 'firm' support for Korean people, appreciates Korea's efforts to act in line with Constitution after Yoon's warrant issuance
The United States on Saturday reiterated its "firm" support for the South Korean people and appreciated the Asian country's efforts to act in line with its Constitution, hours after a Seoul court issued a warrant to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol for an extended period over his botched martial law bid. A State Department spokesperson issued a statement, reaffirming the "enduring" strength of the Seoul-Washington alliance and Washington's security commitment to South Korea. "The United States sta
Jan. 19, 2025 -
Egyptian Embassy applauds Korean students
The Egyptian Embassy in Seoul applauded Korean children from Eonnam Elementary School at an event Thursday. The event was held as part of a welcoming ceremony following the students' recent tour of Egypt’s heritage and traditions. The students shared memorable experiences of visiting Egypt, expressing awe at the Pyramids of Giza, Nile River and interactions with everyday Egyptians. During the gathering, Egyptian Ambassador to Korea Khaled Abdelrahman showcased Egypt’s vibrant history, ancient la
Jan. 17, 2025 -
Treasury nominee says tariffs will be for remedying unfair trade practices, for negotiations under Trump
US Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent said Thursday that under the incoming Trump administration, tariffs will be used for remedying unfair trade practices by China and other countries as well as for negotiations. During his confirmation hearing at the Senate Committee on Finance, Bessent, the founder of Key Square Group, a global investment firm, made the remarks, as South Korea and other US partners are pondering ways to navigate through incoming President Donald Trump's plans to impose
Jan. 17, 2025 -
State Dept. says S. Korea has shown strength of its democratic foundation following Yoon's martial law bid
A State Department spokesperson said Wednesday that South Korea has illustrated the strength of its democratic foundation as the Asian country has been trying to address the aftermath of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid last month. Speaking in a press briefing, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson, made remarks in response to a reporter's question about Yoon having been taken into custody this week for a probe into his short-lived martial law imposition on Dec. 3. "I think
Jan. 16, 2025 -
Rubio says he'll explore how to lower risks of 'inadvertent' inter-Korean war, keep other states from seeking nuclear arms
Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio stressed the need Wednesday for Washington to take a "serious" look at North Korea policy to explore how to lower the risk of "inadvertent" war between the two Koreas and prevent a crisis on the Korean Peninsula without encouraging countries to seek their own nuclear arms. During a confirmation hearing at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Florida senator also accused "rogue states" and "dictators" in the North, Russia and Iran of sowing "chaos," a
Jan. 16, 2025 -
Trump says he will create External Revenue Service to collect tariffs
Incoming US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will create a new government body tasked with collecting tariffs, as US allies and partners are looking to navigate through Trump's plans to introduce new tariffs on foreign goods. In a social media post, Trump announced the plan to establish the External Revenue Service, arguing that with its creation, America's trading partners will "finally" pay "their fair share." "For far too long, we have relied on taxing our Great People using the Interna
Jan. 15, 2025 -
Acting top US envoy stresses allies' complete alignment amid leadership transition
Acting US Ambassador to South Korea Joseph Yun stressed Tuesday the importance of Seoul and Washington staying fully aligned amid leadership transitions in both countries, an approach he feels is shared by both sides. Yun made the remarks after meeting with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and First Vice Minister Kim Hong-kyun, just days after assuming his post tasked with reassuring the bilateral alliance amid the political crisis in Seoul, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his b
Jan. 14, 2025 -
Biden touts trilateral partnership between S. Korea, US, Japan, stresses need to deter NK threats
US President Joe Biden on Monday underscored the forging of the trilateral partnership between South Korea, the United States and Japan as a feat of his administration's policy drive to reinvigorate America's alliances and partnerships to confront shared challenges. During an address on his foreign policy record, Biden also highlighted the need to deter North Korea, putting it on a list of "serious challenges" America must continue to handle, as he is set to hand over the presidential baton to i
Jan. 14, 2025 -
Acting President Choi, FM Cho offer condolences to US over Los Angeles wildfires
Acting President Choi Sang-mok and Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul on Monday extended condolences to those affected by the massive wildfires in the Los Angeles area in the United States, promising to provide any help needed. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people affected by the wildfires in Southern California," Choi said in his account on X, formerly Twitter. "The government of the Republic of Korea stands ready to assist and support the American people. We sincerely hope for the swift
Jan. 13, 2025 -
Top diplomats of S. Korea, Japan to discuss cooperation ahead of Trump inauguration
The top diplomats of South Korea and Japan were set to hold talks Monday on ways to sustain and advance bilateral ties, as well as trilateral cooperation with the United States, ahead of the launch of the second Donald Trump administration. The talks between Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya come as South Korea is working to reassure foreign partners of its commitment to diplomacy despite the political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment
Jan. 13, 2025