Who Are the Newly Appointed Special Envoys by South Korean Prez to EU, France, Britain, and India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strategic appointments: Special envoys aim to enhance diplomatic relations.
- Key destinations: Envoys appointed for the EU, France, Britain, and India.
- Strengthening diplomacy: Efforts to communicate South Korea’s foreign policy effectively.
- Consultation with nations: Ongoing discussions with 14 countries regarding envoy dispatch.
- Historical context: Previous presidents also utilized special envoys for diplomacy.
Seoul, July 13 (NationPress) In a significant diplomatic move, South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung announced the appointment of special envoys to the European Union (EU), France, Britain, and India on Sunday, as stated by the presidential office. This initiative is part of a broader diplomatic outreach strategy.
Former Environment Minister Yoon Yeo-joon, known for his strategic acumen within the conservative faction, will lead the delegation to the EU, embarking on their journey to Europe on Monday.
Meanwhile, former Justice Minister Kang Gum-sil is set to travel to France on Tuesday as a special envoy.
Additionally, Rep. Choo Mi-ae from the ruling Democratic Party will represent South Korea in Britain, while former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum has been designated as the special envoy for India. Both delegations are scheduled to depart South Korea on Wednesday.
Reports from the Yonhap news agency suggest that Kim Chong-in, a former interim leader of the main opposition People Power Party, is under consideration as President Lee's special envoy to the United States.
The presidential office revealed that consultations are ongoing with 14 nations regarding the deployment of special envoys, according to Woo Sang-ho, the presidential secretary for political affairs.
"Indeed, the government is pursuing the dispatch of special envoys to significant countries," the presidential office announced in a notice on July 4, without elaborating further due to ongoing discussions with international counterparts.
This initiative is perceived as an effort to reinforce the groundwork for summit diplomacy by appointing special envoys capable of articulating Lee's state affairs policy and conveying amicable messages to promote broader exchanges.
A presidential representative indicated that the government intends to select special envoys who can effectively communicate the new administration's governing philosophy and foreign policy objectives.
Moreover, there are reports that the presidential office is contemplating the appointment of a special envoy to Russia, especially in light of Moscow's increasing military collaboration with North Korea. Following his election, former President Yoon Suk Yeol dispatched a policy consultation delegation to the US and Japan.
In the early days of his presidency, former President Moon Jae-in sent special envoys to the US, China, Japan, Russia, and the EU, while former President Park Geun-hye appointed special envoys to the US and China shortly after her election.