Korea - Italy Communications

[Jay]

To: Lamberto Dini, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tim CC: KwonHeeseog@mofa.kr.gov, LeeBaekjung@mofa.kr.gov

From: BaekJeonghee@mofa.kr.gov

Subject: Status of Bilateral Relations

Security: Private and encrypted Protected by the NIS and MoFA DPB

To His Esteemed honorable Minister Dini,



I hope this email finds you cordially well. The Republic of Korea is eager to resume strong diplomatic relations with a partnership in the areas of technical experiences, education, cultural immersion, and defense. We hope our common values of democracy, human rights, and a vision for humanity to move forward can bring us closer together as partners and friends. It is the esteem wishes of His Excellency Kim Daejung to have a brief conversation with His Excellency the Prime Minister of Italy to set the tone for a bilateral relationship between Korea and Italy that promotes the peaceful reunification of Korea, political and economic stability of Europe, and bilateral security and economic policies. I hope that our conversations will bring us closer towards a mutual understanding of where Korean-Italian relations can move towards, as well as establishing mutual understanding of one another.

The turn of the century is around the corner. I hope that together we can bring our countries to new heights and as equal partners, develop our states. Attached in this email is our Ambassador to Italy, Ambassador Kwon Heeseog, as well as the Ministries Director for European Affairs Lee Baejung, he is our foremost expert in European Affairs, Policy, and Culture and is a great asset. I hope that your relevant personnel will be in contact with both our diplomats to ensure a smooth conversation.

Signed with sincerity,
Baek Jeonghee
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Korea
Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Republic of Korea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All information is protected from release by the Diplomatic Communications Security Act 1997
Authorized viewing is limited to those directly emailed, cc'd, and bcc'd​

 

[Tim]

Italian Republic

Private & Encrypted​

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Recipient: BaekJeonghee@mofa.kr.gov Jay
From: Lamberto Dini, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Subject: RE: Status of Bilateral Relations

Dear minister Baek,

Thank you for your kind words. Our administration sees the values you described as the core of our nation's existence, and they are deeply rooted in our Republic. It would be wonderful to have our leaders meet to set the positive tone of our relationship and to show the world that our government fully supports the Republic of Korea in its aims of reunification of Korea into one democratic country. Were you planning on hosting this talk through a secured line or in person, and what are the specific topics that His Excellency Kim Daejung would like to discuss so our Prime Minister can be briefed appropriately.

If there are any topics too complicated to discuss over a phone call that your administration wishes to discuss before the meeting please let me know so I can get back to you after corresponding with the concerned officials.


Yours Sincerely,

Lamberto Dini

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Italian Republic

 

[Jay]

To: Lamberto Dini, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tim CC: KwonHeeseog@mofa.kr.gov, LeeBaekjung@mofa.kr.gov

From: BaekJeonghee@mofa.kr.gov

Subject: RE: Status of Bilateral Relations

Security: Private and encrypted Protected by the NIS and MoFA DPB

To His Esteemed Minister,

I am at ease with the receptiveness of your government to our initiative as well as your understanding towards the situation on the Korean Peninsula. His Excellency President Kim would like to discuss the current situation in Romania to gauge the Italian Government's position. Korea additionally is sending a peacekeeping force of 400 personnel to the demilitarized zone established between Moldova and Romania as well as overseeing the electoral reforms and process inside Romania. As such, H.E. President Kim hope to have a frank discussion with your Prime Minister to understand the European position as well as any information your government has from both your intelligence agencies but other governments as well.

I believe a phone call would be the most optimal way, seeing as the agenda is not large enough to host an official meeting between our governments. It would also be in order to discuss other matters if your government wishes to bring them to the discussion table. I am more than happy to have a phone call with you as well, prior to our President and Prime Ministers calling.


Signed with sincerity,
Baek Jeonghee
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Republic of Korea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All information is protected from release by the Diplomatic Communications Security Act 1997
Authorized viewing is limited to those directly emailed, cc'd, and bcc'd​

 

[Tim]

Italian Republic

Private & Encrypted​

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Recipient: BaekJeonghee@mofa.kr.gov Jay
From: Lamberto Dini, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Subject: RE: Status of Bilateral Relations

Dear minister Baek,

To be honest, our administrations knowledge of the events in Romania is lacking. The previous administration has done nothing to keep track of the events so we are currently very out of the loop. Do you have any documents giving a summary of the situation on Romania? Because of this lack of knowledge we are also yet to decide our position on the situation and our intelligence agencies have no information whatsoever. After receiving any information you are able to share I propose setting up a secured line between us so we can discuss the situation, and possible other topics.

I hope this is agreeable for you and await your answer.

Yours Sincerely,

Lamberto Dini

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Italian Republic

 

[Jay]

To: Lamberto Dini, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs < Tim > CC: KwonHeeseog@mofa.kr.gov, LeeBaekjung@mofa.kr.gov

From:BaekJeonghee@mofa.kr.gov

Subject: RE: Status of Bilateral Relationship

Security: Private and encrypted Protected by the NIS and MoFA DPB

To H.E. Minister Dini,

To be quite frank, our administration's knowledge is also limited with regards to direct information. Largely due to the secretive nature of the Romanian Government, the limited information collected by the previous administrations, and lack of global cooperation on sharing information, we've relied primarily on the exposed news from within Romania to get a better picture. The following is a confidential internal memo from the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs dating back to August drafted by the Deputy Foreign Minister and other agencies executives over the situation in Romania. We ask you do not share our memos due to the sensitive nature of the text.

Internal Memo: Situation in Romania {For the Foreign Minister}

The Government in Romania has since undergone a rapid and incalculable changes stemming from its failed invasion of Moldova. Expectations of a quick victory over the smaller entity and a bid to expand their territorial holdings failed. The shockwave resulting in the defeat of the Romanians has led to the collapse of the former regime with an uncertainty of who will fill the power vacuum left by the collapse. The possibilities of post-conflict violence are high and will considerably rise if left unchecked.

We believe that Romania’s trajectory may see power consolidation within the Armed Forces, largely the only organized institution within the post-communist state. The collapse of the communist inspired regime may allow for ideologically aligned factions in the Army to execute a friendly takeover of power or the a hostile takeover of power by nationalists, pro-europeans, or fascist elements. We anticipate a friendly hostile take over of power by the communist elites within the security apparatus of the state. The state security services are also in a position to contest the leadership and could lead to political instability if the SSS (state security) and AF (armed forces) clash.

Based on our understanding however, the Romanian government attempted to annex Moldova over historical territorial claims, the subsequent conflict resulted in the defeat of the Romanian Army. Spain negotiated a peace treaty, after a Spanish initiative introduced a ceasefire. This treaty called for peacekeepers, and was adopted in A/R Resolution 0006 which discussed the situation in Romania. The National Intelligence Services largely see the situation has high unstable with ethnic and religious violence targeting minorities in apparent state tacit consent for armed militias to govern themselves. Without a stable government, the current efforts for new democratic elections are highly unstable as well. Maintaining peace between Romania and Moldova is further complicated by the role of armed militias within designated communities who have seen the state as a failure for not providing security, electricity, etc...

I hope this assessment is beneficial to your government in adopting a formal position.


Signed with sincerity,
Baek Jeonghee
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Republic of Korea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All information is protected from release by the Diplomatic Communications Security Act 1997
Authorized viewing is limited to those directly emailed, cc'd, and bcc'd
​

 

[Tim]

Private​

After reading the email Lamberto went over it once again, to make sure he got it all and was clear on the facts. It had not become clear to him what the reason for this invasion was, but he knew that a power vacuum was very bad for stability in the region.

He asked his secretary to open a private and encrypted phone line to his counterpart in Seoul and waited as he had his phone on speaker mode. Once he got word that the line had been safely opened he began to talk. "Hello minister, it is a pleasure getting to speak with you. I just went over the information you provided and the current situation is very worrisome. Instability in Eastern Europe can easily lead to instability throughout all of Europe if the situation is not properly controlled." He paused for a bit. "Italy's main priority is peace and stability and I will request the Italian minister of defense to look into the situation."​

Jay​

 

[Jay]

Following the Foreign Minister's arrival in Bangkok, she had finished with all the official meetings and paid a visit to the Royal Family, extending the condolences of the President. She was tired, her feet almost numb for wearing these devilish heels all day and having to walk quiet a lot in the country. She was uncomfortable due to the weather, much more humid than in Seoul, but somewhat refreshing. She had to arrange a car to escort her to the Korean Embassy in Thailand, stepping out of the Royal Palace. She would need Director Lee and Ambassador Kwon on standby as well, in case she would need assistance. The scheduled call with the Italians would take place in 45 minutes, giving her ample time to shower and change into more relaxing clothes. Wearing black slacks and a white blouse, she wore flats as she exited the Royal Palace, taking an escort to the Korean Embassy where the Korean Ambassador to Thailand welcomed the Minister, giving her a private room in his office to answer the call in a secured line.

The Foreign Minister's secretary in Seoul would receive the call from Rome, encrypting it and transferring it to Bangkok. Korean security agents would occasionally check the line to ensure it was encrypted and not breached by any parties near the Embassy.


Baek Jeonghee: "Hello Minister Dini, it my pleasure to speak with you. Thank you or taking the call. Yes, yes...indeed....yes...the situation is very worrisome. It appears at this stage...yes, instability would be very bad for all of Europe. As I was saying, the current situation at this stage seems to have calmed down in terms of active conflict, yet, news that escapes the State's censors shows violence targeting children and women, ethnic minorities, and constant fighting. To say the lease, the situation if not properly controlled....could implode. From our standpoint, maintaining peace and stability is first and foremost, however, bringing concrete steps to change for Romania is also necessary. It is obvious this Kim Jong-il style bravado is only happening because of the institutions of Romania and the weakening grip of autocrats like Vlad. Ensuring that Moldova, GAPFOR, and Romanians are not pawns to dictators like Vlad is necessary for a peaceful ending for Romania. she would pick up an ornament on the Ambassador's desk playing with it as the Minister spoke. Yes Minister Dini, I believe Italy's priorities remain the same as Korea at this stage. I hope that we can cooperate in the future through statements and actions that ensure the stability of the region."

Tim

 

[Tim]

The minister listened carefully, having a notepad on which he scribbled down some of the important things he heard and wanted verified. "I hope that the peacekeepers are able to guide a process of democratic elections that will be properly installed, because if the army or population does not recognize a new leadership I doubt it will end peacefully..." He thought a bit, staying quiet for some time. "Italy is of course happy to cooperate in matters of stability and peacekeeping like this." He went quiet again, thinking about how they could be of assistance in the current situation. "Have the plans for deploying the Korean soldiers been finalized yet? Italy is happy to provide military ports or airports if that would help with your deployment of the peacekeeping force." While he waited for an answer to this proposal a security officer ensured that the line was still private and encrypted and had not been breached.​

Jay​

 

[Jay]

Baek Jeonghee: "Indeed you are correct. Hopefully, once a democratically elected government is transitioned following oversight of the elections, the Romanian Armed Forces and Communist Elites will respect the process. However, it is not that we can be naive, and must recognize the constraints on a democratic government of Romania by the elites and even the people. Ultimately, if the Romanian people elect another Autocrat, we will be in a difficult spot, as the cycle of violence may simply continue. At the same time, democracy is a set of systems and rules, but ultimately, those are set and decided by the people of Romania..."We are thankful for your cooperation, and hopefully, Italy will be a major force for real change in Europe, supporting its neighbors to build a just Europe..."The Minister put down the Ornament as she got up and walked around the office, examining the room. "Thank Minister for your offer, at the moment, most of the logistics are being handled by the GAPFOR Mission Leader, Spain, they are working out the final of logistics at the moment is seems to be in order. If anything comes up, I will let you know."...The Minister tied her hair as Minister replied, realizing it was still kind of wet...as she hadn't properly dried it...

Tim

​

 

[Tim]

The minister went quiet as he listened to the Korean's perspective, and understood the clear risk that such a cycle of violence proposed to the stability of a country and the hope to ever get a stable government back. "Let's hope everyone will respect the election, and lets hope the Romanians elect a stable government, but we cannot let our guard down during this process." He nodded as he listened about the GAPFOR Mission, "Well Italy's ports and airports are always welcoming to international peacekeeping missions if need be, so remember that." He remained quiet for a bit, scribbling down some more notes on his notebook before pulling the first paper out, marking it 'ROMANIA' in red and taking a new sheet in front of him. "Thank you for helping me get to grasps with the situation in Romania, it will allow our administration to properly assess the situation and provide help where necessary."

He paused shortly, before trying to introduce a new topic. "I would also like to discuss bilateral trade, to see if we could be of help to each other in that area." Not shortly after he quickly added "This includes civilian trade, but is not limited and could also include military trade or acquisition."

​

Jay​

 

[Jay]

Baek Jeonghee: "Indeed, we will just have to wait and see. Sometimes no news is good news, and the Romanians have been quiet...but yes...as you said, we can't let our guard down throughout the process...Thank you for your willingness to support the logistics of the peacekeeping mission...I am more than happy to be of assistance, thank you for the reach out...she yawned as it was getting into the evening as the call went on, still wanting to visit Wat Pho, perhaps tomorrow morning "With regards to trade, perhaps we can begin opening discussions on opening of trade between Korea and Italy. What exactly are we looking to discuss?

Tim

 

[Tim]

"Well, on behalf of our domestic producers we are looking to import some goods from South Korea, and we were looking to see if there is anything Korea wants to import from Italy, so we can set up a bilateral trade route." After this short explanation he waited a bit, before going into more details. "Italy is looking to import molybdenum, and possibly also electronics and automobiles depending on the size of this trade deal, which will depend on what Korea wants to import. As you may not be fully aware of all the details from the commercial exports registrar, Italy exports refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, vehicles and vehicle parts, industrial machinery and jewellery. Would your government be interested in any of these recourses?
​

Jay​

 

[Jay]

Baek Jeonghee: "I see, I can have the Ministry of Trade look into a possible trade deal to remove tariffs and allow the shipment of goods between our countries, primarily petroleum and jewelry and the exchange of molybdenum and electronics. Primarily at this stage, trade is an area of opening we are hopeful to expand. I will have my staff look over the export registrar and we can come to an agreement over goods we wish to exchange, are there other matters Italy would like to discuss at this time?" Please also feel free to elaborate more on possible trade relations, as well as any military offers your government is currently able to make."

Tim

 

[Tim]

"The exchange you have proposed sounds good." He waited, listening to his Korean counterpart. "The exchange leaves a gap of about 2 million in tariffs due to Italy if I am correct in my quick calculation. Perhaps if Korea were to take the costs of the ships and their maintenance we could exchange the goods with no tariffs due?"
​

Jay​

 

[Jay]

The Minister would be required to do some math, her brain forgetting to convert wons to dollars...she opted to begin writing it down, as the Minister continued speaking, she finished her calculations and spoke after the Minister finished. Baek Jeonghee: "I believe perhaps much more fair would be Italy purchasing Tungsten, Molybdenum, and Electronics from Korea, in dollars that would 11.2 million in tariffs for South Korea from Italy, while Italy would be exporting Petroleum, Jewelry leaving approximately 1.7 million unpaid tariffs to Korea, we can avoid this loss of finance through Korea removing all tariffs from Italy through a Italy-Korea Free Trade Agreement, and we could perhaps address the surplus through arms purchases from Italy. Regardless, in terms of total value, there would be a Korean surplus, however, in real value Italian goods at lower quantities will still be more beneficial, especially considering Italian goods are final products, whereas Korean goods are mostly primary goods to be used for production of future Italian goods. We believe a Free Trade Agreement that removes all the tariffs would be mutually beneficial, however, my university Trade Classes are a little rusty, so perhaps we can allow our trade ministers to meet to finalize the terms?

Tim

 

[Tim]

"I agree with that, we have theorized enough for them to make up one or multiple drafts of a trade deal. So is there anything else you wish to discuss?" He had kept notes about the trade deal and they were quite tidy. "You briefly mentioned arms purchases from Italy, is that something your administration is actively interested in or did you just mention it as a possibility because of the large defense industry Italy has?"​

Jay​

 

[Jay]

Baek Jeonghee: "To be quiet frank with you Minister, we've been negotiating with the Americans for an arms package, and granted a considerable timeline, considering the traumatic events that transpired in Washington D.C. and the U.S. Government. However, our armed forces are beginning to discuss offering contracts to other countries, at the moment, we've managed to strike a handful of deals with German and American companies as their main our two largest suppliers when it comes to buying arms. In the next round of meetings, we will begin discussing dropping the US negotiations and opening a new negotiation with Sweden, the United Kingdom, and I will discuss bringing Italy into the shortlist...So, we are interested at this stage to open up the possibility of purchasing Italian equipment, however, it is really dependent on how the US and Germany negotiations go. I mentioned it mostly because Italy is a rising arms player as well as a cushion for you to sell the Trade Deal to parliament. I will have to however, refer you to the Ministry of National Defense to discuss possibly entering the negotiation list for arms suppliers."

Tim

 

[Tim]

"I understand. As I understand it, Korea has large shipbuilders so I doubt you will need to import those, but Italy specializes in helicopters manufactured by AgustaWestland and also has a sizeable production of land vehicles so if your Ministry of National Defense is interested in that you can refer them to our administration for help with a deal." He waited a bit, thinking if there was anything left to be said but it felt right to end the conversation at this note. "I believe that is all. Shall we inform our Ministers responsible for trade so they can work out the specifics of the trade deal, and once that is arranged our Prime Minister can meet the Korean President?"​

Jay​

 

[Jay]

Baek Jeonghee: "Yes, well, I understand the Air Force will continue to negotiate with the United States. However, the Army is looking at British, Swedish, and I shall suggest Italian armored vehicles, logistical vehicles, and possibly small arms in anti-tank category. If your Minister of Defense could call our Minister, they could perhaps offer the Italian systems for review...I believe that is also it, unless you would like to discuss the visa free idea now, or perhaps later?"

Tim

 

[Tim]

"Oh yes the visas. In order to advance tourism between countries Italy is looking to offer more citizens access to visas on arrival, so they don't have to go through a complicates visa process beforehand. Is this something you would be interested in placing into effect mutually?"​

Jay​