Korea: Why it Matters

Hosted by: AIIA ACT Branch

The event will start on: Sunday, 19 June 2011 5:30 PM

And will end on: Sunday, 19 June 2011 7:00 PM

At Stephen House, Canberra

32 Thesiger Court, Deakin , Canberra ACT

(02) 6232 4978     act.branch@aiia.asn.au

Posted by: act   

H.E. Mr Sam Gerovich

Ambassador to

South Korea, North Korea and Mongolia

Sunday 19 June

5:30pm

Stephen House

Australia and the Republic of Korea (ROK, also known as South Korea) are strong economic, political and strategic partners with common values and interests. Economic relations, in particular are complementary and growing, with the ROK a key market for Australian minerals, energy and travel and education services. Mr Gerovich will discus the many links between the two countries including common strategic interests, particularly in seeking a peaceful resolution to tensions on the Korean peninsula. Both countries have important alliances with the United States and both have made significant and practical contributions to efforts to secure regional security and stability, such as sending troops to Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor and conducting counter-piracy operations. Cooperation on international affairs, for example in the G20, has also reinforced the partnership. Mr Gerovich will also touch on relations between South and North Korea to which is he also accredited, and briefly, Mongolia, to which he is also accredited.

Mr Gerovich will be speaking under Chatham House Rule

Mr Gerovich is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, he was First Assistant Secretary, North Asia Division (2008). Prior to that, he was First Assistant Secretary, Diplomatic Security, Information Management and Services Division (2006-08).

Mr Gerovich has had extensive experience in North Asia. He has served three times in the Australian Embassy in Beijing, including as Deputy Head of Mission (1992-97). He was Australia’s Consul-General in Shanghai (2002-06). From 1997‑2001, he was Australia’s unofficial representative in Taiwan when he headed the Australian Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei. Mr Gerovich also had earlier postings in Tokyo and in Hong Kong. He speaks Chinese and Japanese.

Mr Gerovich was educated at the University of Sydney where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours. He also holds a Certificate of Chinese Studies from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Mr Gerovich is married with two adult children.