Hadi Awarded Best Ambassador Of 2018 In S Korea

JAKARTA, June 22 (Antara) - Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea, Umar Hadi, has been awarded the Best Ambassador of 2018 in South Korea for his efforts in advancing the relations between the two countries. "I dedicate this award to all staff members of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Seoul, who have worked hard and made the diplomatic machine of the Embassy in Seoul work well, efficiently, and progressively, and always upheld the spirit of serving," he said in a statement received by Antara here on Thursday. The award ceremony was held at the South Korean Parliament Building in Seoul on Thursday (June 21). Hadi, who is the former Indonesian Consul General in Los Angeles, United States, also emphasized that the award was a motivation for him and his staff members to constantly improve the performance of the Embassy in Seoul. The Best Ambassador Award, which is one of the categories in "Korea First, World Best Awards," is an award event run by NDNnews, in cooperation with SeoulCity Magazine and the Korea Culture Ambassador Friendship Association, which has been held since 2009. NDNews is an online news portal established in 2008. Meanwhile, SeoulCity monthly magazine explores developments in various cities in South Korea and in the region, with main focus on matters related to government administration and public policy. The ambitious efforts of Hadi in striving for the protection and empowerment of 36 thousand Indonesian migrant workers residing in South Korea, including in the health and safety sectors, have created a special record for the selection committee. "The various activities undertaken by Hadi is a paragon or role model for other ambassadors in South Korea, especially those which send their migrant workers here," Yeo Hong-Il, one of the leaders of the award selection committee, remarked. The selection committee also took note of the various efforts undertaken by Umar in enhancing business-to-business relationships that have significantly increased the number of Indonesian-South Korean joint ventures. The formation of various joint ventures has greatly contributed to the increase of South Korean investment in Indonesia, which in the first quarter of 2018 has been in the top three. Hadi also took serious efforts in increasing the trade relations between South Korea and Indonesia. Indonesian exports continue to be encouraged by introducing new products, especially processed foods and beverages, furniture and wood products, and creative industrial products. South Korean flagship products are also continuously introduced to the Indonesian market, such as through the concept of K-healthcare. Hadi asserted that the award is not merely his achievement but is the result of hard work of all parties at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Seoul. "I am also grateful that the influential media organization in South Korea has given appreciation to the performance of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul which, if God willing, also shows the increase in Indonesia's reputation in the eyes of various societies in South Korea," Hadi revealed. "Korea first, World best Awards" is an award given through the selection of independent teams who assess the performance of figures based on a number criteria, especially the contributions made by public officials, organizational leaders, and companies for the development of South Korea and the progress of the country's relations with fellow countries. The credibility of the award is so acknowledged by the South Korean people and government that the award ceremony takes place in a highly politically prestigious place at the South Korean Parliament Building in Seoul. Hadi submitted credentials to President Moon Jae-in on July 18, 2017. On Nov 9 and 10, 2017, Moon made a state visit to Indonesia, which was the first state visit to a fellow country. During the visit, Moon and President Joko Widodo agreed on improving the status of the two countries' relationship to be Special Strategic Partnership. In addition, in Jakarta, Moon also launched the New Southern Policy to improve the relations between South Korea and Indonesia, as well as other ASEAN member countries.