President 김항경, Ambassador Chatterson, and Distinguished guests,

It is a great pleasure for me to be invited to this luncheon and to deliver a few words before members of the Korea-Canada Society. Please let me express my sincere appreciation to President 김항경 and the members and staff of the Korea-Canada Society for hosting this event.

Since its launch in 1985, the Korea-Canada Society has been instrumental in deepening bonds of friendship between our two countries. In this regard, we are truly grateful to the society for its dedication to furthering the very important relationship between Korea and Canada.

As you all know, the Korean people are in a state of profound grief and mourning following the Sewol Ferry tragedy last month. Governor General David Johnston sent a letter of condolence and Minister Baird called our Minister Yun Byung-se to express the deepest sympathies of himself and the Canadian people to the family and friends of those who have perished. It is truly comforting to know that we have friends who are thinking of us and praying for us.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Last year, Korea and Canada celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as staunch allies, ideal partners, and like-minded countries.

On the heels of the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, the special partnership between the two countries were further reinforced by two milestone events this year as we had the successful summit meeting in Seoul in March 11th and finally concluded negotiations for the Korea-Canada Free Trade Agreement.

In the Joint Statement, President Park and Prime Minister Harper, while expressing their strong commitment to working together to open new horizons in our relations, emphasized the historically rich ties between our two nations.

Indeed, the bond between Korea and Canada dates back to 1888, when the first Canadian missionary arrived on the Korean Peninsula. Korea and Canada have built a solid relationship ever since.

Most of all, Canada contributed 26,791 troops to the Korean War, the third-largest contingent to United Nations Command. Canadians were with us in our darkest hour to safeguard freedom and democracy on the Korean Peninsula.

In the decades since the Korean War, the ties between Korea and Canada have grown ever stronger through broad people-to-people exchanges. Not to mention tens of thousands of Koreans who have immigrated to Canada and made contributions to the communities they have joined, tourist traffic between the two countries is booming in both directions, as is the tradition of educational exchange.

Distinguished guests,

Building upon our shared history, Korea and Canada are exploring further ways to expand their relations.

As Prime minister Harper quoted Wayne Gretzky in the summit meeting, "I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been", Korea and Canada need to step forward for a new era of mutually beneficial bilateral relations.

Besides economic cooperation in various areas of natural resources, innovation and Arctic research and development, Korea and Canada are committed to protecting and promoting shared goals in regional and global issues.

Regionally, Korea and Canada will continue to work hand in hand for sustainable peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. In the face of North Korea's nuclear ambition, the two countries will speak with one clear voice that only the responsible behavior by North Korea can ensure the regime's survival and a better life for its citizens.

Further recognizing the significance and role of regional dialogue and cooperation as a means of building trust in Northeast Asia, the two countries will put their heads together to formulate ways to promote peace and prosperity in the region.

Further to this, Korea and Canada will expand the strategic collaboration in the international fora as stipulated in the Joint Statement. The two countries can work together to cooperate on major international issues such as the protection of the human right and the advancement of democratic values.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The future of our partnership is very bright, as the two countries are bound together by reciprocal economic structures, common interests and shared values.

The Korean government will do its best for a stronger partnership with Canada. I would like to ask for your full support for furthering our firm Korea-Canada relationship.

Finally, I extend my sincere wishes for the continued success of the Korea-Canada Society in bringing our towns, countries and peoples closer together.

Thank you.

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