Jang said he was in Kathmandu to discuss what can be done to kick-start a new beginning for the next 50 years of Korea-Nepal friendship.
Over the past seven decades, Korea has made tremendous progress, turning itself from an aid recipient country to an aid providing country. Today, it is the world’s 10th largest economy and has adopted an assertive foreign policy. In this context, said Jang, President Yoon feels that it is now Korea’s turn to give back to the world. As Nepal is in the midst of economic development, he added, South Korea could share its success story and offer assistance in the field of technology, education and other areas. Jang said Nepal figures prominently in South Korea’s foreign policy outlook, as the two countries share common values such as democracy, freedom, and free market economy. Jang said Korea wants to engage with those countries that aspire to become a free-market economy. Like South Korea, he noted, Nepal is also surrounded by big powers, making it important to their national interests and national security. He said it would be prudent for Nepal to adopt a balanced policy with all powers to serve its national interests. The high-level visit from South Korea is also noteworthy because it is an important US ally. The country came up with its Indo-Pacific Strategy in January, which has been lauded by the US. Analysts say the strategy, based on three principles of inclusiveness, trust, and reciprocity, shows the Yoon administration’s ambition to make South Korea a global pivotal state amid growing threats from North Korea. Along with Nepal, South Korea is taking a series of measures to increase its interest in the Indo-Pacific region. South Korea is expecting reciprocal steps from the Nepali side to further enhance the bilateral cooperation. Korean officials say they are also looking to enhance collaboration in tourism and culture. Of late, RoK is closely following Nepal's engagement with China and other powers. South Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy talks about building a free, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region by enhancing cooperation with the countries in the region. Under the leadership of the new president, RoK is expanding the breadth of diplomacy throughout Asia as it aspires to make South Korea a critical player in the global stage. According to observers, South Korea’s willingness to expand engagement with Nepal and other countries is an opportunity to bring more assistance and investment to spur economic growth. The Republic of Korea is increasingly becoming an important and reliable partner in Nepal’s economic development. Construction, sericulture development, hydropower development, road and infrastructure development, health science, e-governance are some of the major areas supported by the Government of Korea to Nepal in the past. Of late, RoK has expressed willingness to support in the areas of cyber security.
