The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday that it appointed former Ambassador to Laos Lee Gun-tae, 56, as the 15th ambassador for international relations.

Lee graduated from the department of French literature at Seoul National University, and joined the Foreign Ministry in 1980. He served as vice consul general in Houston, an aide to the chief trade negotiator, director-general for regional trade and ambassador to Laos.

He will provide advice and suggestions to the city government on its international exchanges, international conferences and bids to host international organizations, as the capital city’s international relations envoy for two years.

By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldcorp.com)