South Korea’s new ambassador to Armenia, Lee Sok-bae, presented his credentials to Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan on Tuesday.

The President congratulated the ambassador on assuming office and wished him a productive tenure for the benefit of Armenian–Korean relations.

According to a readout from the President’s Office, Khachaturyan highlighted the ambassador’s experience and knowledge of the region, noting that these could significantly contribute to deepening bilateral cooperation.

He also noted that Armenia attaches great importance to developing relations with East Asian countries, placing particular emphasis on cooperation with South Korea, and stressed that there is considerable potential for joint projects, especially in the fields of high technology, energy, culture, and tourism.

Ambassador Lee expressed gratitude for the warm reception, emphasizing that his country values cooperation with Armenia and supports its efforts to establish peace and stability in the region.

During the meeting, the sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in energy, high technology, and other sectors, emphasizing the need for consistent and targeted efforts to fully realize the existing potential.

They also underscored the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, and the protection of universal values as a foundation for stable and effective cooperation.

Particular emphasis was placed on further strengthening and deepening established ties in education, tourism, culture, and other people-centered sectors, viewed as key factors in enhancing mutual understanding and fostering long-term partnership.

Lee Sok-bae is a non-resident ambassador, as South Korea does not yet have a resident embassy in Armenia. In November 2023, there were reports that South Korea was planning to open a resident embassy.