South Korea's Ambassador Mr. Jae Kyung Park explains that Zimbabwe and South Korea fight corruption together because they trust each other completely. Their anti-corruption teams agreed last week to share their smartest methods and train their staff to catch dishonest officials better. They plan to exchange special skills and teach each other what works best against bribes and theft from the public. This partnership lets both countries become stronger against people who steal money meant for roads, schools, and hospitals.
Zimbabwe's anti-corruption team proved their worth last year when they rescued over $30 million from thieves who took public money. They convinced judges and juries in almost three out of four cases that the accused were guilty of corruption. They also took away many houses and fancy cars bought with stolen cash. Mr. Park warns that countries must always improve their methods against corruption because criminals keep finding new ways to hide their dirty money. He believes every nation faces danger if they relax their fight.
Our countries work well together because we respect each other as serious partners in this battle, Mr. Park said about why this agreement matters. Korea promised to help African nations when leaders met last June, and we keep our word on these important matters. We already help Zimbabwe with better farming methods, healthcare systems, and school programs across the country. Korean people remain committed to supporting everyday citizens in Zimbabwe who deserve honest government and fair treatment from officials at every level.
The ambassador stressed that laws against bribery need regular updates as society changes and criminals adapt to old rules. Korea showed real commitment by passing strict laws in 2016 that make it illegal for any government worker to accept presents worth more than thirty-five dollars at weddings or funerals. These same rules limit how much officials can spend on business meals - keeping lunch and dinner costs below thirty-five dollars per person. These clear boundaries help prevent small favors that lead to bigger corruption.
The ambassador added that we must remember that corruption hurts people everywhere. Rich and poor countries both suffer when public money disappears into private pockets. Corruption makes everything more expensive, reduces trust in government, and prevents good projects from helping regular people. When we fight corruption together across borders, we make life better for citizens in both our countries.
Zimbabwe's anti-corruption team proved their worth last year when they rescued over $30 million from thieves who took public money. They convinced judges and juries in almost three out of four cases that the accused were guilty of corruption. They also took away many houses and fancy cars bought with stolen cash. Mr. Park warns that countries must always improve their methods against corruption because criminals keep finding new ways to hide their dirty money. He believes every nation faces danger if they relax their fight.
Our countries work well together because we respect each other as serious partners in this battle, Mr. Park said about why this agreement matters. Korea promised to help African nations when leaders met last June, and we keep our word on these important matters. We already help Zimbabwe with better farming methods, healthcare systems, and school programs across the country. Korean people remain committed to supporting everyday citizens in Zimbabwe who deserve honest government and fair treatment from officials at every level.
The ambassador stressed that laws against bribery need regular updates as society changes and criminals adapt to old rules. Korea showed real commitment by passing strict laws in 2016 that make it illegal for any government worker to accept presents worth more than thirty-five dollars at weddings or funerals. These same rules limit how much officials can spend on business meals - keeping lunch and dinner costs below thirty-five dollars per person. These clear boundaries help prevent small favors that lead to bigger corruption.
The ambassador added that we must remember that corruption hurts people everywhere. Rich and poor countries both suffer when public money disappears into private pockets. Corruption makes everything more expensive, reduces trust in government, and prevents good projects from helping regular people. When we fight corruption together across borders, we make life better for citizens in both our countries.
