By Philip Iglauer

The Ukrainian Embassy in Korea is planning a series of events this year with the goal of commemorating the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Korea which were established on Feb 10, 1992.

Ukraine and Korea forged ties after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the USSR and Warsaw Pact of which Ukraine was a member.

Ukraine and Korea were once on opposite sides of the ideological divide during the Cold War that pitted pro-capitalist nations supporting the United States against the socialist and communist nations supporting the Soviet Union.

"In Ukraine this date is considered a milestone on the way to strengthening our interstate relations in the context of deepening cooperation in the interest of both countries," Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said in an official congratulatory letter to President Lee Myung-bak.

The embassy is organizing "Days of Ukrainian Culture in Korea" as part of festivities commemorating the milestone in bilateral ties among other activities and events this year, including an Independence Day of Ukraine reception Aug. 24, the participation of the one of Ukrainian theaters in the "World Festival of National Theatres 2012" from September to October and performances of Ukrainian art groups here.

"Nowadays our states constructively cooperate on a wide range of issues in political, trade and economic, scientific and technical, cultural and humanitarian as well as in other areas," Yanukovych said.

ephilip2011@koreatimes.co.kr