news highlight

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  Ukraine War in 5th Year: Trump's long-delayed '24-Hour' promise *Editor’s Note: As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nears its fifth year, AJP reviews how the war began, how it has evolved, and where it is heading — and asks the most urgent question of all: will it end? This second installment examines the delayed peace negotiations. SEOUL, Feb. — (AJP)-“I will end that war within 24 hours.” Since his campaign days, US President Donald Trump repeatedly portrayed himself as a “peacemaker,” confiden February 10, 2026
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  A long war, fading certainties *Editor’s Note: As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nears its fifth year, AJP reviews how the war began, how it has evolved, and where it is heading — and asks the most urgent question of all: will it end? This first installment examines the toll on Ukraine, Russia, and the world. SEOUL, February 07 (AJP) - As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its fifth year, the war shows signs of diplomatic motion without political resolution — inching t February 8, 2026
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  Back to back in conventional arms, India and Korea have room for alliance SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) - Drones and AI-enabled systems now dominate headlines from modern battlefields. Yet, when wars grind on, they still come down to firepower. A recent study by the Royal United Services Institute and the Open Source Centre estimated that Russian artillery accounts for roughly 70 percent of Ukrainian casualties. The Council on Foreign Relations similarly notes that artillery remains the “king of battle,” responsible for about 80 percent of casualti February 6, 2026
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  Uzbekistan and Türkiye partner to modernize workforce and combat poverty SEOUL, February 02 (AJP) - Uzbekistan and Türkiye have established a new model of institutional cooperation to enhance human capital and improve public administration in the labor market. The partnership focuses on professional development for government officials to accelerate poverty reduction and ensure sustainable employment in both nations. The Embassy of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Korea said Monday that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by A.X. Rakhmonov February 2, 2026
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  From security to Artic exploration, EU and Korea have a lot to work on - EU envoy to Seoul SEOUL, January 30 (AJP)-The European Union seeks to deepen cooperation on Arctic security and maritime logistics with South Korea, readying itself for the Artic shipping era by sailing a 3,000-TEU container ship from Busan to Rotterdam this July, said European Union Ambassador Ugo Astuto Friday. Speaking to press for the first time at the Seoul Press Center, Astuto noted that the strategic importance of the Arctic is being redefined by both climate change and shifting geopolitical January 30, 2026
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  Uzbekistan and Türkiye expand strategic partnership through trade and transport links SEOUL, January 30 (AJP) - The diplomatic relationship between Uzbekistan and Türkiye has evolved into a substantive, comprehensive strategic partnership, moving beyond formal definitions to include deep economic and regional cooperation. Recent high-level meetings in January 2026 confirmed that both nations have established a permanent institutional framework to manage their bilateral ties. The primary vehicle for this cooperation is the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Counc January 30, 2026
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  Asian Culture Calendar SEOUL, January 30 (AJP) - South Korea Feb. 13 – 22 Daegwallyeong Snow Festival Feb. 2 – 4 Tamnaguk Ipchun Gut Nori Feb. 4 – 8 Gongju Gunbam Festival Japan Feb. 7 – 27 As The Sun Rose at UltraSuperNew Kura Feb. 3 Setsubun Festival Japan Jan. 20 – Feb.8 Kobe Luminarie Thailand Feb. 21 – 22 Chiang Mai Flower and fusion Festival Feb. 11 – 15 Singha Park chiangrai International Ballon Fiesta Feb. 15 Kyoto Marathon Si January 30, 2026
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  South Korea vs. North Korea: Why a war scenario defies conventional logic SEOUL, January 30 (AJP) - The two Koreas are de facto still at war, separated by the world’s most heavily fortified border. That reality has locked both states into an unusually intense and enduring investment in defense. South Korea has sought leverage through an alliance with the world’s dominant military power, the United States. North Korea, unable to fully rely even on like-minded partners such as China and Russia, has instead pursued deterrence through nuclear arma January 30, 2026
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  Turkish textile heritage exhibition opens at the Council of Europe SEOUL, January 29 (AJP) - The exhibition titled Fabrics Atlas of Türkiye, The Memory of Fabric officially opened yesterday at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. Hosted by the Turkish Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the event is scheduled to run through January 30 to coincide with the assembly’s winter session. The exhibition is designed to introduce the international community to the long-standing weaving traditions of January 29, 2026