Venezuela’s Independence Day celebration took on special significance during a reception in Seoul on Friday in the wake of the diplomatic raucous caused when some European nations closed their airspace to Bolivian President Evo Morales’ plane.

Charge d’Affaires Yadira Hidalgo de Ortiz, the South American country’s top diplomatic representative in South Korea, repeatedly underscored her country’s sovereignty and national independence in a thinly veiled reference to the international incident during welcome remarks at the reception.

“We would like to state our solidarity with President Evo Morales and with the Bolivian people for the abuse he was recently subjected to,” Hidalgo said.

The presidential aircraft of the Bolivian head of state was forced to land in Vienna, Austria, and remain grounded for about 12 hours after France, Spain and Portugal closed their airspace for transit on suspicion that it could be carrying NSA leaker Edward Snowden.

“Our country permanently advocates peace between nations and maintains strong positions against the hegemony of large projects on indigenous sovereign powers,” Hidalgo said. Venezuela “will defend, expand and consolidate our independence, (the) most valuable asset we have (won) after 200 years.”

In two-way ties with South Korea, Venezuela has been quietly pursuing diplomatic efforts to upgrade the relationship since Hildago’s arrival here in September last year.

(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)