22nd November 2002

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Students on the University's of Ulster's MA in Conflict Studies received a unique insight into the world of diplomacy this week when The Honourable Dr Ra Jong-yil, the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to the UK, sat in on one of their weekly seminars on the Magee campus.

A distinguished academic and political scientist, Dr Ra is closely identified with South Korea’s ‘Sunshine Policy’, which favours closer, more amicable relations with North Korea.

He was welcomed to the campus by Professor Paul Arthur of the School of History and International Affairs, and joined Professor Arthur’s postgraduate seminar on Peace and Conflict Studies

Following the seminar, the Ambassador lunched with the Vice-Chancellor and senior staff of the University.

The reason for the Ambassador's visit to the University, said Professor Arthur, was to gain a deeper insight into the Northern Ireland peace process, and to find out more about the economic regeneration and conflict transformation strategies that have been implemented in the province.

It is also hoped that closer links between the University and the Republic of South Korea will emerge from initiatives discussed during the Ambassador’s visit.

University of Ulster Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerry McKenna, said: "The University feels honoured that the Ambassador chose to make our Magee campus the focus of his visit to the north-west.

"We plan to take early steps to consolidate and strengthen the links which we have forged here today: and after our discussions I feel certain that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between the University of Ulster and the people of South Korea."

In the afternoon the Ambassador completed a round of meetings with community leaders in the city, including Mr Donncha MacNiallais, Mr Raymond McCartney, Mr Alistair Simpson, and Mr Damien McIlroy.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk