DILI, 02 october 2023 (TATOLI) – The South Korean Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Shin Man Taek, requested that the Government of Timor-Leste support South Korea’s candidacy for the 2030 World Expo.
The request was made on behalf of the celebration of Korean National Federation Day 2023, which took place in the Embassy of Corea in Dili on friday (29/09), in the presence of the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, the former Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, and Timorese authorities, foreign ministers, and diplomatic corps in Timor-Leste, among others.
Korea is now attempting to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan, a gateway that links the Eurasian continent and the Pacific.
Busan aims to host the 2023 World EXPO with the main theme of “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future.”
“Korea hopes to be given a valuable opportunity to seek solutions for the various crises and challenges facing humanity, such as uncertainties and complex crises, wars and conflicts, threats of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, the digital divide and economic inequality, climate change, the food crisis, and so on,” said Taek. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to President Horta and the Timorese Government for their passionate expression of support.”
The ambassador also invited the foreign diplomatic corps in Timor-Leste, who were present at the event, to support Korea’s candidacy for the expo.
“To my colleagues in the diplomatic corps, I ask for your active support for Korea’s candidacy for the 2030 World Expo. Busan is ready!”
He said, “To benefit humankind around the world, the long-standing dream continues today, and Korea will do its best to make that dream come true. We are the world. We are the champions. Let’s go together.”
The World EXPO 2030 in Busan will provide an opportunity for all participants to recognize global challenges, give thought to the environment, and explore new ways of life for humankind.
The audience will become compelling witnesses to a new future as a transformation unfolds around the world before their eyes in real-time, utilizing new technologies such as AI, IoT, and 6G.
The World Expo 2030 in Busan will be a truly global festival, open to all. The journey we embark on will take us beyond the current crisis to usher in a new future for humanity and the entire globe.
Busan, which is at the center of Korean transformation, will set a new course toward a better tomorrow for the Earth and for humanity.
In addition to South Korea, two other countries are also in the running to host World Expo 2030: Saudi Arabia (in Riyadh) and Italy (in Rome).
According to Taek, Korea is contributing to the spread of freedom, peace, and democracy in the international community: “Korea will continue to increase our contributions to development and prosperity by empathizing with countries in need and sharing Korea’s development mode with them.”
The ambassador also reaffirmed Korea’s strong commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEN through capacity-building programs.
The relationship between Korea and Timor-Leste dates back to 1999. At that time, the Korean government sent the Evergreen Unit to Timor-Leste in 1999 to support the independence and reconstruction of the country.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
