Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Yu Myung-hwan met with Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Lutsenko Yuriy on May 6. The two Ministers noted the development of Korea-Ukraine relations such as the increase of bilateral trade volume and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed how to support ethnic Koreans in Ukraine.

With regard to supporting ethnic Koreans in Ukraine, Minister Yu explained that the Korean government is providing them with possible assistance for historical, moral and humanitarian considerations. He thanked the Ministry of Internal Affairs for rendering cooperation for the ethnic Koreans to settle in Ukraine.

Minister Lutsenko explained that considering the close ties between Korea and Ukraine, as well as the ethnic Koreans’ diligence and law-abiding spirit, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is exerting efforts to support them. He also mentioned that the Ukrainian government will continue to pay attention to the issues of ethnic Koreans, and work in cooperation with the Korean side to support these people.

Both Ministers agreed to cooperate with each other in areas of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) programs and culture. Minister Yu also pledged Korea’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s successful hosting of the Euro 2012.