Standing Commissioner Dr. Kang Kyung-keun of the National Election Commission(NEC) of Korea and Secretary-General Vidar Helgesen of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance(IDEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for future active cooperation in the area of electoral processes, in Stockholm, on July 2, 2011.

The MoU identifies the fields of cooperation for active relationship as follows: research cooperation and joint publications in developing and strengthening democracy and democratic procedures; convene conferences to share information and experiences in the electoral area; organize international events like forums to share experiences and knowledge with democratic countries; and staff and expert visits between the two institutions.

International IDEA Secretary-General Vidar Helgesen mentioned that Korea has been the exemplary model of democratic development and economic growth to many Asian and Third World countries. Mr. Secretary-General also expressed expectation that Korea would play an active role on the global stage in spreading democracy.

NEC Standing Commissioner Dr. Kang Kyung-keun said that the cooperation with International IDEA is very important to Korea in its path to a more mature democracy. Dr. Kang also expected to see more active exchange of staff and experts between the two institutions.