India-South Korea Diplomacy Strengthened by Buddhist Ties
The ambassador announced that Park Jin, the foreign minister of South Korea, will be making a trip to India next month to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting that will be held in Delhi on March 1st and 2nd. Here is how “India-South Korea Diplomacy Strengthened by Buddhist Ties.”
A group of 108 Buddhist pilgrims from South Korea will embark on a 43-day tour of Buddhist sacred sites in India and Nepal starting on February 9th. The journey, arranged by the Sangwol Society of South Korea, will involve a walking pilgrimage covering a distance of over 1,100 km to visit some of the most esteemed Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, before proceeding to Nepal.
About Buddhist Ties
The journey, which is slated to conclude on March 23rd, will comprise visits to several renowned Buddhist sites such as Bodh Gaya, Nalanda University, the Buddha’s Relic Stupa Site in Vaishali, the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa in Kushinagar, as well as the birthplace of the Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal.
In an interview, the South Korean Ambassador to India, Chang Jae-bok, noted the special bond between the two countries through Buddhism. He stated that Buddhism was introduced to Korea from India in the first century and later became the official religion of the Korean kingdom.
This year marks the celebration of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Korea and, with India holding the presidency of the G20, there is much to be accomplished to ensure its success, the ambassador added.
How Buddhist Ties will Strengthen India-South Korea Diplomacy?
Ambassador Chang expressed excitement about the increasing popularity of Korean cultures, such as K-pop and K-dramas, among the youth in India. He emphasized the goal to bolster the relationship between the two nations through cultural exchange and understanding, including the upcoming pilgrimage and various cultural events.
In addition, the ambassador confirmed that Foreign Minister Park Jin will be visiting India in the coming month to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting on March 1st and 2nd in Delhi. He stated that the foreign minister’s attendance at the meeting highlights their commitment to the G20.
The ambassador expressed confidence in India’s ability to effectively lead the G20 as the current president of the group. He expressed his hope for a successful presidency and showed support for India’s role in the G20 this year.
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