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SUBJECT Congratulatory Address by President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea at the Second Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments
DATE 2017-12-28
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Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon delivered the congratulatory address of President Moon Jae-in at the Second Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments held at Lotte Hotel Seoul on June 27, 2016. The text of the address is as follows.

 

 

H.E. Chung Sye-kyun, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea,

 

H.E. Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation,

 

Delegates from around the world,

 

Distinguished guests,

 

I congratulate you on the opening of the Second Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments. On behalf of the people of the Republic of Korea, I extend my heartfelt welcome to all guests and participants from Asia and Europe.

 

The First Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments was held in Moscow last year, upon the proposal by the National Assembly of Korea, which was graciously accepted by the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

 

It is a joy and pleasure to be joined by more parliamentary delegations this year in our pursuit of common prosperity and cooperation in Eurasia.

 

Seoul is located on the far eastern tip of the Eurasian continent, but nonetheless, it is a city of opportunities and I hope you will find the time to enjoy the fresh summer scenary it offers.

 

I also recommend a stroll around Gwanghwamun Square, where the Korean people gathered to light candles yearning for true democracy.

 

Distinguished guests,

 

Eurasia has a long history of exchange and interaction that dates back to ancient times. The Silk Road connected the East and the West, opened markets, and enabled the exchange of peoples and cultures.

 

This vast land of Eurasia — currently home to 4.5 billion people — will also serve as a home for future generations to build and live their lives.

 

However, uncertainty on the Korean peninsula — the last divided land on earth — threatens the peace of Eurasia. This instability hinders the region from making significant strides towards achieving common prosperity.

 

The North Korean nuclear issue must first be resolved in order to achieve peace and prosperity in Eurasia. The Korean government will work together with the international community and mobilize all methods, from imposing sanctions and pressure to engaging in dialogue and negotiation, to achieve denuclearization. We are always open to cooperation with North Korea should it abandon its nuclear programs and missile development and return to the dialogue table.

 

Honorable guests,

 

We must also further promote trade and investment within Eurasia. To this end, the Korean government seeks to broaden institutional frameworks, such as free trade agreements, and I ask for the interest and support of the honorable delegates here today.

 

We will also actively take part in responding to global challenges. We will join in efforts to resolve global issues, such as indiscriminate and violent extremism, which permeates fear into the everyday lives of the people in this region. We will also join in the international effort against global challenges, including climate change and communicable disease.

 

Above all, we will contribute to the long term goal of creating a new economic landscape that links Eurasia to the Pacific.

 

Once the inter-Korean rail is reconnected and a new silk road over the land and sea is completed, Eurasia will gain new momentum for growth and prosperity.

 

I am certain that peace on the Korean peninsula will contribute to peace and prosperity not only in Eurasia but also beyond the Pacific and the world. And with your support, I believe we will move a step closer to that glorious day.

 

Distinguished guests,

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

I believe in the power of the parliament. It is only when the legislature plays a strong and firm role that diplomacy can be grounded in the confidence of the people.

 

In this sense, each and every delegate joining us today on behalf of their respective parliaments is the future and hope of Eurasia.

 

I hope the Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments continues to promote and lead prosperity and growth on the Korean peninsula and Eurasia.

 

I will listen closely to the ideas and proposals set forth at this meeting and actively take part in efforts to realize these ideas.

 

Lastly, let me extend my thanks once again to H.E. Chung Sye-kyun, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and H.E. Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, as well as all staff members, for their commitment and great efforts in organizing this meeting.

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

By MSEAP Cyber Secretariat (mseap@assembly.go.kr)