President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 24 gives a welcoming speech at a reception for Korea's National Day at Brongniart Palace in Paris.

By Aisylu Akhmetzianova
Photos = Jeon Han

President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 24 in Paris asked member countries of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) to support Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo. 

Presidential spokesperson Lee Do Woon that day in a news release said President Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee on the second day of their visit to France attended a reception for Korea's National Day at Brongniart Palace hosted by the Korean Embassy in the French capital.

"The Republic of Korea aims to actively fulfill its role as a globally responsible nation protecting universal values such as freedom, human rights and rule of law and contributing to world peace and prosperity," the president said in a welcoming speech. "As a global pivotal country, we will spearhead this kind of solidarity of humanity through the Busan Expo."

"Korea seeks to host the Busan Expo, which will lead new innovation and contribute to the sustainable development of humankind," he added. "The spirit and vision of the Busan Expo are to reduce the inter-country divide and lay the foundation for humanity's sustainable prosperity."

"We will do our best to make the Busan Expo the most innovative and inclusive in the event's history," he said, urging support to allow the port city to serve as a platform of harmony and solidarity for future generations.

Held under the Busan Expo's theme "Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future," the reception attracted 600 guest including leading French officials, ethnic Korean residents of France, ambassadors and delegates from BIE member states, and Paris-based diplomatic delegations.

President Yoon visited Paris again after about five months, with his trip in June seeing him give a fourth presentation to the BIE and attend an official reception.

"For a head of state to visit the same country twice in the same year is highly exceptional," the Office of the President said. "This clearly shows the president's strong determination to secure the 2030 World Expo for Busan."

The expo's host city will be announced on Nov. 28 by the BIE at its general assembly held at its headquarters in Paris. Busan is competing against Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Rome.

In his welcoming speech at a reception held at Brongniart Palace in Paris, President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 24 asks for member countries of the International Bureau of Expositions to support Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo.