Slepavicius proposed as Lithuania's 1st ambassador to Korea

VILNIUS – Ricardas Slepavicius has been proposed as Lithuania's first ambassador to South Korea.

Slepavicius should take up his new post on June 1, according to a draft government decision.

Before that, he is to be recalled from his current post as ambassador to Italy.

The diplomat's career includes positions at Lithuania's embassies in Russia and Turkey and its Permanent Representation to the EU. He has in the past served as Lithuania's consular general in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

Lithuania established its embassy in South Korea last year to bolster its international position and political and diplomatic ties with like-minded partners in the Asia-Pacific region, and to open up new opportunities for its exporters in the world's most advanced markets, according to the Foreign Ministry, 

The embassy in Seoul is currently headed by Vilijus Samuila, the chargé d'affaires. 

Lithuania established diplomatic relations with Korea on October 14, 1991. It was previously represented in Korea by the embassy to China.

Lithuania's ambassadors are appointed by the president with the approval of the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and the government.