Kathmandu: The visiting Deputy Foreign Minister of Republic of Korea, Cho Young-jai has said that his country valued the Nepal’s strong support to Korea’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

Minister Jai made these observations while addressing a gathering Monday evening to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations in between the two countries. The minister further said that Nepal and Korea have ample potential for further expansion of cooperation particularly in areas of trade and investment.

According to the minister, the remarkable progress in our bilateral relations was the result of the joint efforts of “our governments” which has been reinforced by mutual understanding and cultural affinities between our two peoples.

According to ROK embassy, the two-way trade volume, for instance, skyrocketed from a figure of 689 thousand dollars in 1974 to 31 million dollars last year.

The Ambassador of Korea threw a reception Monday evening to mark the 30th anniversary of Nepal-Korea diplomatic ties.

The minister further added that “Around 4,000 Nepalese are working in Korea as an invaluable part of the Korean workforce contributing to the Korean economy, while about 10,000 Koreans including tourists, mountaineers and businessmen visit Nepal every year.”