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H.E. Mr. Sung Moonup, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) presented his letters of credence to the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Frederick Ballantyne at Government House on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. 

The Ambassador is now accredited to SVG with residence in Trinidad and Tobago.  Ambassador Moonup met with Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce, Honourable Sir Louis Straker and the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday.

During Ambassador's Moonup meeting with Minister Straker, they both reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to providing mutual support in enhancing the relationship on various bilateral & multilateral issues.  The highlights of those issues included health care, education, infrastructural development, people-to-people exchanges, peace and security, sustainable development and climate change.

In the afternoon, a short ceremony was held to facilitate the handover of a 30-seater school bus from the Republic of Korea (South Korea) to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The ceremony was held at Star Garage’s Compound at Murray’s Road. At the ceremony, Ambassador Moonup handed over keys for a new school bus to Honourable Sir Louis Straker who then entrusted the keys to the care of the Ministry of Transport and Works represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Vibert Nedd. Minister Straker charged Mr. Nedd to ensure that the bus is beneficial to Vincentian students and to do all that is possible to take care of it for its optimal use and longevity. 

Ambassador Moonup in his remarks shared the importance of the bilateral relationship between South Korea and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and emphasized his country’s willingness to facilitate the education of the youth of SVG.  Minister Straker in his response highlighted the cordial relationship that has developed between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Korea since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979. Since then, South Korea has been a great benefactor to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in various sectors including education and health as well as the offering of technical assistance.

Minister Straker thanked His Excellency Mr. Sung Moonup for the contribution of a school bus to further assist in the provision of transport services to students who are hindered by lack of transport which impedes their accessibility in attending school.   He further conveyed his gratitude to the Government of South Korea on behalf of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for South Korea’s generous donation and for their continuous support despite the ongoing security issues with North Korea.  

The bus donated is a 2019 Toyota Coaster 30-seater valued at US$88,000.00 which is equivalent to approximately EC$240,000. It is the latest generation of its kind to land in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and has diverse capabilities including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The bus is diesel efficient, built specifically for the terrain and the adaptive corner roads of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 
    
The handing over ceremony was witnessed by the South Korean delegation, staff of Star Garage and various officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce and the Ministry of Transport, Works, Urban Development and Local Government.

SOURCE: API