Pohang names Korea-Russia friendship association chief as honorary advisory ambassador

Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, has appointed Moon Jong-geum, chairman of the Korea-Russia Friendship Association, as its honorary advisory ambassador, the city announced Wednesday.

Moon is a civilian diplomacy expert who introduced "sambo," a traditional Russian martial art, to South Korea, and has led exchanges between the two countries through his roles as chairman of the Korea-Russia Friendship Association and president of the World Professional Sambo Federation.

In his new role, he will support efforts to develop relations with Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, attract international conferences and events, and draw investment and businesses to the city.

"We will actively leverage the strengths of civilian diplomacy by linking them to city administration, so that Pohang's international exchanges can translate into tangible investment, business attraction and tourism growth," Mayor Park Yong-seon said.