열린장관실

 Speech at the Annual Dinner of the Korea-Britain Society
11 December 2007, Seoul

Executive President Dr. Park Jin, Ambassador Morris, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is such a pleasure for me to be here with you today.  I would like to thank you for the warm welcome extended to me, as ever, by the friends and colleagues in the Korea-Britain Society. 

Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation for the valued role the Korea-Britain Society plays in promoting cooperation and deepening understanding between our two peoples.  The cooperative ties it has helped to forge, especially at the non-governmental and cultural level, serve as a solid foundation for our thriving partnership in every field.  To mention a few of the Society's various activities, I would like to take note of its support for the Chevening Scholarship, the Korean teachers English programme, and the Duke of Edinburgh Fellowship.  In the United Kingdom, the counterpart organization, the Anglo-Korean Society chaired by Sir Stephen Brown, is also playing an important role, contributing in a number of ways to a deeper friendship between us.

In the Foreign Ministry we tend to say "Good things happen in the UK, you've got to go for a posting there if you want your career to fly."  Actually, we have two former Prime Ministers and one Foreign Minister, who once served as Korean Ambassador in London.  The whole array of big names I see here tonight seem to corroborate this traditional, though a little unscientific, wisdom.

Excellencies, distinguished guests,

Since the establishment of the diplomatic ties in 1883, Korea-UK bilateral relations have developed considerably.  In particular, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the upgrading of diplomatic relations, from a ministerial level to full status. 

Let me therefore start by sharing my thoughts on how important the UK is to Korea.  For one thing, Britain is important for us, because we need a great deal of whiskey to make what we call "bomb drinks", or boilermakers, and then we like to sing Beatles songs in norebang or karaoke.  When we are sober, we are crazy about those sports that originated from Britain, such as football and golf.  British friends I know in Seoul tell me that when taxi drivers ask them where they are from and they say the UK, the first thing the drivers usually say is that they like Manchester United and other football teams that have welcomed our much loved footballers such as Park Ji-seong into their fold.  Undoubtedly, football has brought our people together.  

More seriously, the UK is important to us because Korea and the UK are long-standing friends and partners of great significance.  Our friendship has stood the test of time.  The UK has been a "friend indeed" as a "friend in need."  Five decades ago about 87,000 young Britons fought side by side with Koreans to preserve Korea's freedom.  And the long-established tradition of democracy in the UK has served as a role model for the democratization in Korea.  Today, a love of freedom and democracy as shared values helps to unite our peoples.

The UK has indeed proved a solid and reliable partner.  At every level we are working more and more closely together.  Trade and investment have boomed.  For example, trade volumes in 2006, which amounts to 8.6 billion dollars, almost doubled over the last five years.  Korean and British companies are working together in a global market.  We engage in ever deepening exchanges in culture, sports, high technology and education.  The state visit to Korea by Her Majesty the Queen in 1999, and the state visit to the UK by President Roh in 2004 stand as a clear demonstration of these solid ties. 

In this age of globalization, there is a need for us to further enhance cooperation on a range of global issues. These includes fighting terrorism, cooperation in the Middle East, reform of international organizations, and, of course, dealing with climate change.  It is only by working together that we can properly address these challenges. When I meet European diplomats including UK diplomats, I say that UK have to and should play a greater role in resolving this North Korea Nuclear issue. Resolving this Nuclear issue through peaceful means by negotiation will have a great impact on other parts of the world. There is a role where Korea and UK can practically work together. As an important member of European Union, UK can persuade North Korea to come out to international community.

I know that the UK has always been innovative, creative and practical, if not revolutionary, as shown in its successful transformation from "the largest industry in the world" into cutting-edge technology, finance, and a knowledge-based economy.  These are the areas where great potential lies for future cooperation between us.  Last but not least, we Koreans look forward to the constant contribution of the UK, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Excellencies, distinguished guests,

In recent years, our Embassies in London and Seoul have successfully carried out the "Think Korea 2006", and "Think UK 2007" campaigns, the aim of which has been to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.  It is my earnest hope that these endeavors will lead to further dynamic activities and people-to-people cooperation in the months and years ahead.  I am also happy to note that the long overdue opening of the Korean Cultural Center in London is to happen early next year.  We will ensure that the Center functions as a focal point for cultural exchanges between our two peoples.  I believe these kinds of activities will bring the Korea-UK relationship to an even higher level.

Taking this opportunity I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to an old friend, or a young friend from the old days, Ambassador Morris, for his outstanding contribution to deepening and fostering the bonds between our two countries. Although I am truly sad to see him leave, I am confident that he will continue to play a great role in enhancing Korea-UK relations, whether in London, Seoul or elsewhere. 

I am sure that this evening is yet another great occasion for you to see old friends and make new ones.  I wish all of the members of the Korea-Britain Society good health, happiness and every success.

Thank you.