The conversation was dedicated to discussing issues of bilateral cooperation in various spheres.
The conversation was dedicated to discussing issues of bilateral cooperation in various spheres.
The parties mentioned that the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relationships between Russia and the Republic of Korea will be celebrated in 2015, that the Year of mutual visits is continuing as well as that on January, 1st 2014 the “Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of the Russian Federation on the facilitation of the issuance of visas” had come into effect.
The Consul General emphasized that St-Petersburg is an important city for Korean citizens; it is the first place where a Korean mission headed by Lee Bum-jin (lived and worked in St-Petersburg at 5, Pestel Str. from 1901 till 1905) was established.
E.D. Grigoriev mentioned that the Republic of Korea is among the ten most important trading partners and one of the largest investment partners of St-Petersburg. The Consul General elaborated on the growth of tourist flow from South Korea to St-Petersburg.
The parties discussed the successful operation of the “Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Rus” car factory in St-Petersburg. The South Korean party confirmed their intention of maintaining the high production volume and the staff composition. The issue of organizing further negotiations with the “Lotte” Group concerning opening a 5-star hotel in the centre of St-Petersburg as well as negotiations with the trading department of the Consulate General concerning a possible cooperation in the area of waste disposal was also addressed. The parties agreed to pay additional attention to issues regarding implementation of joint projects aimed at enhancing cooperation with the partner city Incheon, and also at creating in St-Petersburg a wide exposition which would cover the work of the diplomatic mission headed by Lee Bum-jin.
Background information:
On July, 30th 2002 the opening ceremony of a commemorative plaque to Prince Lee Bum-jin, the first permanent Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Korea in the Russian Empire, was held at 5, Pestel Street; a commemorative monument was unveiled at the Northern Cemetery.