열린장관실

Chairman SON Kil-Seung, and Distinguished guests,

    It is a great honor for me to join you here tonight.  Today, We are gathered here to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement.  Today, we celebrate not only the cease-fire of the Korean War 50 years ago, but also the fact that we managed to maintain peace since then.  Today, we are sharing this occasion with the very people who fought the war, defended freedom, and visited Korea once again as our friend.  As a Foreign Minister of Korea, I dare say that there would hardly be any commemorating occasion, emotionally more touching or professionally more proud. So, ladies and gentlemen, why don't we give a big round of applause for the Korean War Veterans who are with us tonight.

    I also thank Chairman Son and members of FKI for their efforts in preparing for this meaningful event.  

    Warm welcome and thanks also goes to the diplomatic corps from war alliance countries. Korean people and Government have not forgotten that you came to our aid when our existence itself was at stake.  In those perilous moment of history in the early 1950s, your people showed the world your stern commitments to protect freedom and democracy by dispatching your own flesh and blood.  Indeed, your people sent your own sons and daughters to defend a country you never knew and a people you never met.  

    What spirit and power that enabled the War Veterans of various origins to march forward to the battle ground hand-in-hand, is the same power and spirit that made us hang tough throughout the harsh experiences of war, and pushed us as far as here and now.  Your noble sacrifices have been a cornerstone to the prosperity and freedom enjoyed by the Korean people today.  Therefore, I invite the war veterans and the members of the alliance countries to feel free to be proud.  We stood together to "suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortunes". Look at Korea now. Together we made what we see now, from the ashes of war.

    A newly independent, poor country 50 years ago, has matured into a prosperous middle power that successfully hosted the Olympics and the World Cup. Our people are aware of the invaluableness of freedom and peace. Not just because we know we do enjoy them now, but rather, becuase we know what it means to lose them, and what it takes to fight for them.  We are firm on securing freedom and prosperity built upon the sacrifices of our Korean War Veterans during the past 50 years from any challenges. We are currently redoubling our efforts to realize our common dream, a dream of solid and continuous peace and prosperity.

    As you well know, the Korean peninsula is still the most heavily armed region in the world. And in particular, the nuclear crisis hanging over us are elements threatening the peace of this region. Our wisdom and concerted efforts are needed at this time more than ever to gain a foothold in permanent peace on this peninsula.

    The prospects of multilateral talks that have been positive of late is definitely a positive move forward to the establishment of peace on the peninsula.   I believe that this is high time for us to gather our strengths and wisdom in a concerted manner to open the ground for resolution of the issues at hand through dialogue. North Korea should realize that this is the time not to lose the momentum.  I sincerely wish that, this time, the North Korea, to seize the opportunity. I look forward to North Korea's participation in the multilateral dialogue.

    Furthermore, I cannot overemphasize the importance of efforts to be exerted by diplomatic missions to use this momentum to accomplish successful multilateral talks, to resolve the nuclear crisis, and eventually to stabilize peace on the Korean peninsula.

    I have no doubt that you will continue to show your interest and support in seeing this country that you yourselves have defended more peaceful and more prosperous.  

    Finally, I wish our Veterans good health and pray in earnest for our lasting friendship.