First diplomatic dinner since December highlights Halal K-BBQ, chicken-beer for diverse guests
President Lee Jae Myung hosted a dinner for diplomatic envoys stationed in South Korea at the Cheong Wa Dae Greenhouse on the 23rd. The event was attended by 118 ambassadors from resident missions and representatives from 30 units of international organizations, including Chafik Rachadi, the Moroccan ambassador to South Korea and head of the diplomatic corps.
Cheong Wa Dae Greenhouse
The countries seated at the head table included Morocco, alongside the United States, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, Mongolia, China, the European Union (EU), the Holy See, and Chile. Cheong Wa Dae explained that the arrangement considered countries and regions with which South Korea has engaged in major summit diplomacy this year, as well as their representational significance.
The dinner menu featured a buffet-style Korean-style charcoal grill (K-BBQ), chicken and beer (chicken·beer), Korean-style fresh salad (geotjeori), and bibimbap. Cas beer was served alongside the meal. In addition to chicken, the K-BBQ menu included pork belly grilled on a skillet, charcoal-grilled wagyu beef and LA-style marinated ribs, lamb ribs, jumbo shrimp, chicken sausage, and vegetables. The event considered diverse religious and dietary cultures by using seasonal ingredients, with all materials except pork belly being Halal-certified. Vegetarian options, including vegan dishes, were also prepared.
States Japan the Philippines
During the event, President Lee shared diplomatic achievements with the diplomatic corps, including the outcomes of his first European trip since taking office, which coincided with his participation in the Group of Seven (G7) summit. Cheong Wa Dae stated, "This dinner marks the formal restoration of communication with the diplomatic community and signals our commitment to substantive exchanges. It will outline key directions for practical diplomacy in the second year of the administration and seek continued support and cooperation from all nations."
This was the first dinner hosted by President Lee for the diplomatic corps since his official return to Cheong Wa Dae in December last year. Prior to his return, he had also hosted a dinner for diplomats at the Cheong Wa Dae state guest house in August of the previous year.
Putting it in context
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In short
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