By Jeon Han and Lee Hana
Photos = Yonhap News
May 16, 2017 | Cheong Wa Dae

"Please emphasize that this new administration was established thanks to the people, and by the people."

This is the message President Moon Jae-in delivered to his newly-appointed special envoys to the U.S., China, Japan and Russia during a luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae on May 16.

"The appointment of special envoys to each of these four countries marks the beginning of 'summit diplomacy.' I've spoken to the heads of state from nations all around the world, including the four countries to which you have been dispatched, and have explained to them the direction of our foreign policy," said the president.

"In preparation for an earlier-than-planned Korea-U.S. bilateral summit, President Donald Trump has dispatched a senior-level delegation. China invited our delegation to the One Belt, One Road summit in Beijing where our officials received a personal welcome from Chinese President Xi Jinping," said the president.



"On May 15, I was notified by the Chinese ambassador to Korea that Chinese media positively assessed the recent phone conversation between President Moon Jae-in and President Xi Jinping. As a special envoy, I will make sure to maintain this positive outlook," said the special envoy to China, Lee Hae-chan.

The special envoy to the U.S., Hong Seok-hyun, said, "I feel great responsibility for having been appointed as a special envoy to the U.S. during a time when the Korean Peninsula is under such pressure. Using the recent phone call between our heads of state as the foundation, I will engage with many U.S. officials and discuss a wide range of issues, such as North Korean nuclear weapons and the Korea-U.S. alliance. I will also meet with leaders from the National Assembly, leaders of think tanks, as well as media publications to elevate our countries' relationship to the next level."

Stressing once again the significance of the new administration, President Moon said to his envoys that, "Now, more than ever before, Korea is a country where political justice and transparency form the cornerstone of government."

hanjeon@korea.kr