The Korean embassy on Wednesday evening hosted a colourful ceremony to celebrate the 4350th anniversary of the Korean National Foundation Day.

The event, held at the Korean ambassador’s residence in Nyarutarama, attracted members of the Korean community living in Rwanda, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rwanda, among other guests. 

The guest of honour was the Minister for ICT, Jean de Dieu Rurangirwa.

While giving his welcoming speech, Korean ambassador to Rwanda, Kim Eung-joong, said that this year’s celebration is taking place during a time when Koreans are seeking a fundamental turnaround.

"Until late last year, it was the dark clouds of hostility and confrontation that overshadowed the Korean peninsula,” he said, alluding to the tensions that had existed for decades between South Korea and North Korea.

"However, we are engaging in active dialogue to break down the decades-old vestiges of the Cold War on each side of the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone), and finally establish permanent peace on the peninsula,” said Ambassador Kim.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Rwanda, Kim Eung-joong, addressing the guests. / Joseph Mudingu

At the most recent summit, the two Korean leaders reaffirmed the common goal of complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and agreed to take measures to achieve that goal in a swift and transparent manner.

"The two leaders agreed upon complete cessation of all hostile acts against each other in every domain, including land, air, and sea, as well as the pursuit of further exchanges and cooperation,” said the envoy.

Similarly, the envoy acknowledged the pivotal role Rwanda is playing in ushering change and innovation in Africa, especially during the time it has held the chairmanship of the African Union.

"Rwanda has been vigorously working to overcome its historical and geographical constraints. And the Korean Government and people have been supporting Rwanda's excellent efforts for bold leaps forward and a true transformation,” said Ambassador Kim.

Guests during the event. / Joseph Mudingu

During his speech, Minister Rurangirwa highlighted the importance of celebrating the Korean’s National Foundation Day and congratulated the Government and the friendly People of the Republic of Korea for their continued support to Rwanda.

"We are particularly grateful for Korea’s assistance with the construction of an ICT school at the University of Rwanda, and the establishment of the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) campus in Kicukiro. Our participation in such bilateral initiatives further indicates the commitment by the two governments to strengthen social, political and economic relations between our countries” said Rurangirwa.

Jean de Dieu Rurangirwa, Minister for Information Technology and Communications. / Joseph Mudingu

The people of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) annually celebrate National Foundation Day on October 3.

This public holiday celebrates the day of  the foundation of ancient Korean kingdom, Gojoseon.

The past 70 decades of the Republic of Korea might be defined as a constant process of overcoming challenges and difficulties.

Rising to challenges ahead, the two nations are striving to achieve and contribute to peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula and beyond, through diplomatic means, in cooperation with our allies, neighbours, and peace-loving countries. 

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