DIM Diplomatic Evenings

Strategic Partnership between Korea and Romania Amid a Changing International Landscape

On Friday, November 21, 2025, the Centre for the Study of International Development and Migration (DIM) hosted the second edition of its Diplomatic Evenings series, featuring His Excellency RIM Kap-soo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Romania, as the keynote speaker. The event, moderated by University Lecturer Radu Cucută, PhD, brought together students, faculty members, and representatives of the diplomatic community for an in-depth discussion on the evolving global security environment and the future of Republic of Korea-Romania relations.

In his lecture, Ambassador RIM Kap-soo reflected on the profound shifts shaping international politics, noting that “the world we have known is gone” and that history has once again returned to the forefront of global affairs. Drawing on references from Winston Churchill and contemporary international literature, His Excellency outlined the erosion of the post-Cold War order, the resurgence of great-power competition, and the increasing overlap between security, economics, technology, and geopolitics.

Addressing recent global developments, the Ambassador highlighted how the 9/11 attacks and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have defined the security challenges of the 21st century, accelerating trends such as non-proliferation efforts, financial sanctions, and the rise of non-state actors. He underscored that major security crises now spill over their regions of origin, explaining that North Korea’s recent military support to Russia illustrates how conflicts in Europe and Northeast Asia are increasingly interconnected.

Turning to the bilateral relationship, His Excellency emphasized that Romania and the Republic of Korea “share the same security concerns and strategic environment,” being situated near revisionist powers and confronting similar geopolitical pressures. He recalled the historical foundations of Korea’s security structures, shaped by the Korean War, and explained how lessons of deterrence, multi-layered defense, and strategic alliances continue to guide Korean policy today. Korea’s long-standing partnerships with the United States, NATO, and EU members, including Romania, were presented as key pillars of regional and global stability.

Highlighting the Strategic Partnership established in 2008, Ambassador RIM Kap-soo described the growing cooperation between the two countries in areas such as defense, energy security, nuclear technology, and infrastructure. He noted Romania’s pioneering adoption of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the modernization of the Port of Constanța, and the shared commitment to diversifying supply chains and strengthening resilience against emerging threats.

The Ambassador also offered personal reflections and advice to students, encouraging them to cultivate a daily habit of reading international news and to connect historical and contemporary developments in order to understand global affairs better.

The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, during which participants raised questions on Korea’s economic development model, diplomatic career challenges, migration from North Korea, the experience of working in the Blue House, and the implications of Korean defense cooperation in Europe. His Excellency provided candid and insightful responses, reinforcing the importance of shared values, strategic communication, and long-term vision in international cooperation.

This Diplomatic Evening reaffirmed the relevance of Korea-Romania relations within the broader context of shifting global security dynamics, while offering students a unique opportunity to engage directly with a distinguished diplomat. The event continues DIM’s commitment to fostering dialogue between academia and diplomacy, enhancing students’ understanding of contemporary geopolitical challenges and opportunities.