Republic of Korea Ambassador Santhush Woonjin Jeong in a bid to enhance its cooperation and support to the Northern Province met with the Governor of the Northern Province, P.S.M. Charles in Colombo.
During the meeting with the Governor, the Ambassador discussed ways to promote the economic and cultural ties between Korea and Sri Lanka. Both sides discussed opportunities to explore potentials in trade, infrastructure development and tourism in the Northern Province.
The significance of ways to strengthen people-to-people ties between Korea and Sri Lanka is of utmost importance once COVID-19 subsides in the region.The Ambassador said, “ The Korean Development Assistance (ODA) agencies such as Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Korea Eximbank have greatly contributed to the expansion of development in the Northern region.”
KOICA and Eximbank have funded projects in education, transportation, water resources, sanitation and regional development in Sri Lanka. These fruitful endeavours benefitted around 40 schools in the Northern region.
Ambassador Santhush Woonjin Jeong reiterated that there is more potential to increase trade relations between Korea and Sri Lanka. “The trade volume should be expanded for both countries to enjoy the favourable outcomes of investment and economic growth.’
“Under the vision of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa the Ambassador is keen to assist Sri Lanka in achieving the fruits of development in all regions including the Northern Province. Education has been one of the most significant pillars behind the national development of Korea.”
Governor Charles appreciated the assistance extended by the government of Korea for education, infrastructure development and capacity building in the Northern Province.
“Korea’s economic success story is indeed an inspiration to Sri Lanka as there are many lessons to be learnt in overcoming hardships,” she said. The Governor further discussed ways to boost tourism in Jaffna and uplift the livelihoods of the populace. Furthermore, the Ambassador stated that Korea has also been providing assistance to Sri Lanka to cope with COVID-19 by strengthening its cooperation to uplift public health in Sri Lanka.
Ambassador Santhush expressed his willingness to explore the possibilities in the Northern Province, especially in the tourism sector and explore the establishment of trade activities.
