The Isle of Man's Environment Minister has been in South Korea, at the inauguration of the new President.
John Shimmin (pictured) accepted an invitation to attend the high-profile event in Seoul this week.
He mixed with political and business leaders from all over the world at the swearing-in of Lee Myung-bak.
Mr Shimmin has described South Korea as a major economic force and says the inauguration was a huge event, with a ceremony attended by 60,000 people including 180 foreign delegates.
He told Manx Radio: 'The Isle of Man’s presence at this top-level gathering was another sign of its rising international identity, and a further opportunity to extend its global network of business and governmental connections'.
Mr Shimmin continued: 'I was able to provide some background on the Island’s distinct culture and history, as well as educational opportunities for overseas business students, for the Director of the British Council. In addition I was pleased to distribute information packs on the Isle of Man at meetings with expatriate Koreans.'
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