President Park Geun-hye, currently on a state visit to Canada, held a meeting on September 21 with Governor General of Canada David Johnston and discussed with him ways to develop bilateral relations between Korea and Canada.




President Park also attended an official welcoming ceremony that took place at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor general, as the first official function on the itinerary of her state visit. Park said in her speech that, “Korea and Canada are making a new history together based on their 100-year-old friendship. Now will be the historic moment to open another 50 years of bilateral relations.”

“Canada is one of the G7 countries and Korea’s seventh largest trade partner,” said the president. “Canada is an exemplary country in terms of the creative industries and Korea is an IT superpower. The two countries are close cooperative partners and share basic values. The two hold great capabilities that can contribute to world peace and development, as well as to mutual prosperity.”

“The Korea-Canada free trade agreement, which will be signed tomorrow, will become a new growth engine that will maximize our cooperation potential,” said Park.

After the meeting, Park attended a state banquet as an official guest of the governor general. During the banquet, the Canadian governor general said that Canada is Korea’s blood brother, as it sent about 30,000 soldiers to the country during the Korean War (1950-1953) and about 500 of them sacrificed their lives there. The governor general also said that the historic draft of this bilateral free trade agreement will lead both countries down the path toward prosperity. He also said that the two countries continue to seek ways to further advance their strong cooperative relationship in trade and technological innovation.

In response, Park said, “Our two countries are partners that have mutually beneficial economic systems and share the values of freedom and democracy. Both countries have been deepening their friendship, which has been lasting for over a century.”

She said that the sacred sacrifices made by Canadian youth during the Korean War formed the foundation for the strong friendship that now exists between the two countries.

“Based on mutual benefits and shared values, and on the strong bonds of history and the people, I believe we have become very close friends,” said the president.

“Your proposal of a ‘Smart and Caring’ national vision is in line with the ‘creative economy’ and ‘happiness for the global community’ policy visions of my administration. The common visions to make a better country and a better world will be a firm foundation for the future of our bilateral partnership,” said President Park.


Article by Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Cheong Wa Dae
arete@korea.kr