There were many distinguished guests from Korean society and from the Seoul Diplomatic Corps and other segments of foreign community in Korea.

Among the Korean guests were Minister Yoon Seong-kyu of the Environment Affairs, Honorary Consul Kim In-geuk of Cote D´Ivoire and Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post.

Speaking to the guests, Ambassador Bile said that Cote d’Ivoire was the first country in Africa to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea on July 23, 1961 and this year the two countries celebrate the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Then he said that following the establishment of diplomatic relations the two countries have continuously increased their ties of close cooperation and friendship based on mutual trust.

The Republic of Korea has developed into an advanced country of the world from a developing country following 50 years of reforms. Cote d’Ivoire and other countries of Africa highly praise the exemplary example and wish to share the development experience of Korea.

Following the speeches and toasting, there were performances by a traditional Cote d’Ivoire music-dance troupe, which were dynamic and powerful and attracted the attention and applause from the Korean and international audience as well as from the ambassadors and other senior diplomats. k