Washington: Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg has been awarded a prestigious state medal by the South Korean government in recognition of his significant role in enhancing relations between the two countries, as announced by Seoul's embassy in Washington.

According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's Ambassador to the United States, Cho Hyun-dong, presented Goldberg with the Gwanghwa Medal of the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit. This accolade is the highest honor in its category and was bestowed upon Goldberg, who concluded his foreign service career after serving as ambassador in Seoul from July 2022 to January.

During the award ceremony, Ambassador Cho expressed gratitude to Goldberg, acknowledging his substantial contributions as an ardent supporter of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Goldberg remarked on his pride in the achievements made in fostering the bilateral relationship and cooperation with Japan. Notable attendees included Seth Bailey, deputy special representative for North Korea at the State Department, and Scott Snyder, president and CEO of the Korea Economic Institute of America.

Goldberg, who held the rank of "Career Ambassador," the highest in U.S. foreign service, played a pivotal role in orchestrating six South Korea-U.S. summits and five trilateral summits involving Japan during his tenure in Seoul. His extensive career with the State Department included ambassadorships in Colombia, the Philippines, and Bolivia, as well as serving as the assistant secretary of state for intelligence and research.

His expertise on North Korea was further honed during his role as coordinator for the Implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1874 on North Korea from 2009-2010.