Central America Ambassadors hosted a joint reception to commemorate the 191st anniversary of the independence day of Central America and to congratulate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea on Sep. 19, 2012 at the Grand Hilton Seoul.
Amb. Rafael Antonio Salazar Galvez of Guatemala, dean of the Central & South America missions in Seoul, underlined an united and more close cooperation to cope with challenge tasks of the future between Korea and the Central America countries in a globalized world in his speech.
Deputy Minister Kim Kyou-hyun for Political Affairs from MOFAT was in attendance to deliver the government’s congratulatory remarks that expect for bilateral relations to expand if FTA will be carried into effect.

▲ Amb. Galvez of Guatemala (fourth from right) poses with colleague envoys of Central America to commemorate the 191st anniversary of the independence day of Central America and to congratulate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea.

The following is a speech, delivered by His Excellency Amb. Rafael Antonio Salazar Galvez of Guatemala. –Ed.
September 15th 1821. This is the date in which the Provinces of Central America, being part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, declared their independence from the domain of Spain. For this reason we now celebrate, with joy and pride, the 191st Anniversary of our Independence.
Subsequently, the Provinces of Central America decided to separate and since then, are five independent and sovereign republics: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, nations united by the geography, the history and the ideal of freedom. We are still united however by the strong ties inherited from our ancestors, such as Spanish, our common language, our deep religious faith and a spirit of brotherhood. This is manifested through an integration process by which these nations have sought regional unit in key areas related to the economy, trade, security and health, among others. But now the Central American Integration System (SICA) consists of eight countries, with the addition of Panama, Belize and the Dominican Republic, which after the European Union, makes us the regional organization with the largest number of member states.
In addition, as an integrator of national economies, the Central American System started in the early 1960s of last century and has been the most advanced of the continent, as evidenced by the Association Agreement signed with the European Union, which is far more ambitious than a free trade regional treaty, and the various free trade agreements with countries from North and South America and Asia.

▲ Amb. Trigo of Costa Rica (fourth from left) poses with colleague envoys as well as GM Bernhard Brender of the Grand Hilton Seoul (far left) during the reception.

The region has as common goals, first the preservation of the independence and democracy, the respect for Human Rights and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as the preservation of the environment; this being an enormous responsibility since the region counts with the largest nature reserves in the world after the Amazon in South America. Moreover, these goals include the fight against poverty and hunger as well as the betterment of the education and healthcare. The latter, areas have seen enormous efforts with the support of our friend countries to which we express our gratitude, including and most especially to the Republic of Korea.
This time we are also celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the countries of Central America and the Republic of Korea. These have been fifty years of friendly exchanges during which, to the extent of our abilities and possibilities, we have maintained a closeness and cooperation in both directions: Korea has always had strong support from our region and our governments within the international political agenda, bilateral and multilateral; and our countries have received and still receive cooperation from Korea, both in development projects and in sharing the experiences that allowed Korea to become one of the strongest economies in the world. In general, also, our countries have been supported by Korea on issues of its interest to both bilateral and regional agendas.
It’s been 50 years now, since the commencement of a deep and profound relationship between Korea and the Central American countries in this year, we have been organizing various activities to commemorate this important anniversary. Our celebration tonight is also framed within that context; along with the exhibition "Maya 2012" that is currently taking place at the National Museum of Korea, the recent painting exhibition from El Salvador as well as the visit of the President of Costa Rica to Seoul last month. At this time it is propitious to express, on behalf of myself and my dear colleagues, the Ambassadors of Costa Rica, El Salvador and Honduras, our sincere gratitude to our sponsors: Chairman Jong-Hyun Nam, from Glami; Chairman, Woongki Kim from Sae-A Trading Co, Ltd., and Chairman Jong Pil Park from PAA Group, General Agent of Avianca-Taca, whose generosity and appreciation have been fundamental to organize this commemorative event of the 191 years of Independence and 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations between our countries and the Republic of Korea.
We are confident that this anniversary not only marks the past but it also represents the beginning of a new era that will last more than another 50 years. That’s because with every day we are forming stronger bonds of friendship and love with the people and the government of this admired nation.
The Republic of Korea of today is not the Korea of 50 years ago, nor is the Central America of today is the one that it once was. All our national realities have changed and our growth of our exchanges has been exponential in various areas, such as culture and of course, trade.
In reference to this specific issue, we encourage our hope that by 2013, the first year of the second half-century of our diplomatic relations, will be the start of negotiations of a free trade agreement between Korea and Central America that -taking into consideration the complementary nature of our economies- will substantially increase the exchange of goods and services in a mutual atmosphere of respect thereby creating advantages for both parts and profit for all.
In an increasingly globalized world, we must remain closer to meet the challenges of the future, closer to each other in feelings and actions, even when geography puts us on opposite sides of the world. This of course is made possible by whose hearts also feel no distance between our beautiful countries, despite the thousands of miles that separates us. On the occasion of this celebration, our nations once again, present their expressions of affection, friendship and best wishes to the Republic of Korea and its admirable, hard-working and friendly people.
Likewise we recognize the honor that makes the Government of the Republic of Korea to send this great event Mr. Kim Kyou hyun , Deputy Minister for Political Affairs.