By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Ahead of the 2025 APEC Summit, H.E. Pg Hjh Nooriyah PLW Pg Hj Yussof, Brunei's Ambassador to South Korea, made an official visit to Gyeongju on June 17.

This visit was conducted to inspect the preparation status for the summit as an APEC member country and to explore practical exchange and cooperation measures with Gyeongju, the host city.

Ambassador Nooriyah Yussof and her delegation visited the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), Bulguksa Temple, the National Gyeongju Museum, and major accommodation facilities, among other key APEC-related infrastructure and cultural heritage sites.

They then visited Gyeongju City Hall and held an official discussion with Song Ho-joon, Deputy Mayor of Gyeongju City.

Brunei joined APEC in 1989 and hosted the 8th Summit in Bandar Seri Begawan, its capital, in 2000. It has maintained friendly and cooperative relations with South Korea since establishing diplomatic ties in 1984.

Ambassador Nuriyah Yusof said, “The preparations for the APEC Summit in Gyeongju were very systematic and impressive,” adding, “I hope that this summit will serve as an opportunity to spread awareness of Gyeongju's historical value and future potential throughout the world.”

Song Ho-joon, Deputy Mayor of Gyeongju, said, "Brunei is a core member of APEC, and the two countries are working closely together in various fields, such as energy and infrastructure. We anticipate that Brunei will play a significant role in this summit as well."