Ambassador Oscar Gustavo Herrera Gilbert of Ecuador hosted a reception at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square in Seoul on Aug. 10, 2015 to celebrate the 206th anniversary of independene of the Republic of Ecuardo. It was also to mark the 53rd anniversary diplomatic relationes formed between Korea and Ecuardor.

Many distinguished guests attnded the celebration from the Korean society and the international community as well as the Seoul Diplomatic Corps.
Among the Korean guests in attendance were Director-general Bahk Sang-hoon of the Latin American & Carrebean Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korean Honorary Consul Mrs. Kim Eun-sun of Ecuador for Daejeon and represetrnatives of the businenss and various other circles such as the media, who included Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post and WAM UAE News Agency Seoul Bureau Chief Min Byung-il.
Attendance from the diplomatic commuity was also large and included many mission chiefs who included Ambassadors Jorge Roballo of Argentina, Alexander Andreevich Tomonin of Russia, Hernan Brantes Glavic of Chile and an estimated 50 others.

One outstadning disticntion of the event from other functions was an incomparably large number and scale of traditional Ecuadorian foods and delicacies on display which were unique and exotic as well as satisfying the the Korean eyes and palate.
There also were traditional Ecuadorian music and dance performances presented on the stage agaisnt the backdrop of a large screen that showed various distinguising features of Ecuadorian culture, tourist attractions and various other asepcts of the country and people.
Among them were Violinist Jacov Ormanza Vera, Vaile Gangnam Style, traditional Ecuadorian dance of the Andean Region, and Live Presentation of Scarecrow.

Presently, Ambassador Herrera Gilbert spoke to the guests. He said in part, “The Royal Audience of Quito sparked a historical process of Independence throughout our region and, continuing that vision of freedom, the Government of President Rafael Correa Delgado, has worked tirelessly and with perseverance in order to bring forward a new Ecuador to the world, based on the strength of human capital, which will henceforward place our country as a leading international actor in today’s global arena.” Excerpts from the speech follow:

As the Head of the Diplomatic Mission of Ecuador, I’m honored to preside, and to celebrate with you, the 206th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence, which was heard all over Latin America, forged by a brave group of patriots who formed part of the Royal Audience of Quito, event that sparked a historical process of Independence throughout our region.
Continuing that vision of freedom, the Government of President Rafael Correa Delgado, has worked tirelessly and with perseverance in order to bring forward a new Ecuador to the world, based on the strength of human capital, which will henceforward place our country as a leading international actor in today’s global arena.
Now-a-days, Ecuador’s political and diplomatic efforts are focused on learning from the valuable experiences of friends, like Korea. Rather than describing it as the Korean Miracle, it is a prime example of what can be accomplished with hard work, unity, and discipline, factors which have placed it as one of the leading economies in the world.
In 2015, we also celebrate 53 years of fruitful diplomatic relations between our two republics. For this reason, we would like to express our appreciation to Korea for the support they have given Ecuador through the signing of several memorandums of understanding, destined for mutual cooperation and the development of trade, customs, environment, energy, knowledge transfer, technology and innovation, among others, always in a framework of respect towards the principles and political systems that mandate in both countries.

It’s important to note that, as part of the Embassy of Ecuador’s social responsibility, we have offered our time and effort towards the development of close cooperation, unique in its nature, with Korean institutions that are dedicated in to the care of people with special needs, such as the National Institute of Korea Special Education. Tonight, you will witness the talent and abilities of these extraordinary human beings.
In the area of commerce and investment, we are hoping to achieve a Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement between Ecuador and Korea, following the principles of the World Trade Organization, which is to deepen the areas of technology transfer and knowledge sharing that take into account the asymmetries of our economies.

With this agreement we hope to set a precedent not only in stimulating the flow of capital, but also strengthening the sustainable growth of both nations.
Finally, on behalf of the Embassy of Ecuador, I wish to thank you for your presence, especially to my compatriots and students who are forming yourselves in Korean universities, so that together we can continue building a distinguishable Ecuador thanks to your dedication and hard work.

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