Prince Nikita Dmitrievich Lobanov-Rostovsky on the Establishment of Russo-Korean Relations and the Negotiations of the First Korean Official Embassy Headed by Min Yonghwan with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Alexey B. Lobanov-Rostovsky in June 189

This interview is dedicated to the establishment of Russo-Korean relations, including negotiations between the first Korean official embassy led by Min Yonghwan and Foreign Minister Prince Alexey B. Lobanov-Rostovsky in June 1896 in St. Petersburg, which took place after the end of the coronation celebrations in Moscow. Important agreements were reached during these negotiations. The interview is related to the interests of Prince Nikita D. Lobanov-Rostovsky, a descendant of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Alaxey B. Lobanov-Rostovsky, author of the “Response Points to the Korean Ambassador” following the negotiations. The interview assessed the activities of Prince Alexey B. Lobanov-Rostovsky at the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Particular attention is paid to the intensification of Russian policy in the Far East and counteraction to Japan in this region. The role of Minister Lobanov-Rostovsky in organizing the diplomatic pressure by the three European great powers, led by Russia, on Japan, in defense of the integrity of the Chinese Empire and preventing the annexation of Chinese possessions and Korea to it, is emphasized. It is shown that the efforts of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Prince Lobanov-Rostovsky, contributed to strengthening the independence of Korea and the fight against Japanese dominance and strengthening Russian influence in Korea. The measures he took to protect the King of Korea and his heir are noted. The reasons for the transfer of the Korean king to the Russian diplomatic mission are explained and the first Korean embassy to Russia is assessed. The progress of the negotiations in St. Petersburg is covered as well. The “Response Points to the Korean Ambassador” are given and assessed as having created the preconditions for further strengthening Russia’s position in Korea and countering Japan’s new offensive there. Russia’s refusal to establish its protectorate in Korea is explained.