The Philippine Embassy in Seoul proudly welcomed a colleague from the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy, Mr. Marthy Angue, who is participating in the prestigious Korea Foundation (KF) Korean Language and Culture Program for Diplomats.

At the welcome ceremony tendered by the Korea Foundation for the 25 participating diplomats from around the globe, Mr. Angue introduced himself as coming from a country with deep and enduring friendship with the Republic of Korea being the first Asian nation to respond to defend its freedom during the Korean War. He likewise highlighted Korea's readiness to lend a helping hand to the Philippines as proven in times of calamity.

Korea Foundation Executive Vice President Jong-kook Lee officially welcomed the participants and gave a bird's-eye view of the three-month program running from September 19 through November 7, which includes Korean language classes, immersion in various aspects of Korean culture, as well as lectures on Korean history, society, smart cities, diplomacy, politics, and economics.

The KF, a non-profit organization affiliated with the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and designated as the official public diplomacy organization of the Republic of Korea, first started the fellowship program in 2005 to foster mutual understanding between Korea and other countries.

The Philippine Embassy likewise continues to promote peaceful dialogue and cooperation as a key principle of diplomacy and supports initiatives to advance global peace and development through multicultural diversity. END