THE Island's Chief Minister has said he is looking forward to strengthening the links between the Isle of Man and South Korea.

Allan Bell MHK made the comments as he welcomed a visit by the South Korean Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Choo-Kyu-ho, to the Island.

Ambassador Choo arrived in the Island yesterday (Monday) accompanied by his wife and Counsellor Kim Yong-Jin, Minister for Finance, and Counsellor Shin-Jae-shik, Minister for Science and Technology.

The South Korean delegation, who funded their own trip to the Island, met with the Chief Minister and the Economic Development and Treasury Ministers for an overview of the Manx economy.

They were also given an insight into the financial services industry and the high-tech manufacturing, space commerce and clean tech industries during their two day trip.

Mr Bell said: "It is an honour to welcome Ambassador Choo and the South Korean delegation to the Island.

"South Korea is the fourth largest economy in Asia and, like the Isle of Man, has weathered the global economic downturn well.

"I look forward to further strengthening the alliance between our two countries as part of the Island's ongoing strategy to enhance its international profile."

Ambassador Choo said: "I have been particularly impressed by the Isle of Man's good governance, its creativity in terms of developing its economy and its openness with the outside world.

"It has been a very productive visit and I hope it will be the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship between the Isle of Man and the Republic of Korea."

As well as attending a number of official engagements the South Korean delegation, who stayed at Government House, also had the opportunity to experience the Isle of Man's unique cultural and heritage attractions.  

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