Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Canada

Thank you, Mr. Mayor, (President of the Chamber of Commerce).

Good afternoon, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I am delighted to be visiting this charming City of Cornwall and to see you all here today. (I found that the location of this city is a great advantage as it is on the bank of the mighty St. Lawrence River and bordering Quebec and NY State.) 

First of all, I would like to thank the City of Cornwall for welcoming our Embassy on this visit for ‘Korea Day’. I truly appreciate all the support we have received from city staff and the Chamber of Commerce.

Without your help, today’s ‘Korea Day’ here would not have been possible.

My thanks also go to MP. Guy Lauzon, MPP. Jim McDonell, Mr. Abraham Benedict, Grand Chief of Mohawk Council of Akwesasne,  Mr. Ian McLeod, Warden of Unities Counties, and Mr. Rory (& Cathy) MacLennan, President of the Chamber of Commerce. I appreciate that you all are here with us despite your busy schedules.

In particular, on behalf of the Government of Korea, I would like to honour our very special guests here, the Korean War Veterans: Mr. Elburn Duffy, Mr. Elmer McRea, Mr. Jack Rowden, Mr. John Lamoureux, Mr. Robert Lamoureux, and Mr. Ron Currie.

Please join me in paying the highest respects to these Korean War Veterans, for their remarkable service to peace, freedom and democracy.

As you may know, bilateral ties between Korea and Canada have much evolved in recent years. Of particular note, as of 2014, the two countries have established the Strategic Partnership relations.

It means that Korea and Canada share the same values, such as democracy and human rights, and have significant common interests to pursue together.

Actually, Canada is playing an important role in the resolution of the NKn nuclear issue these days. We appreciate that.

Now Korea is Canada’s 6^th largest trade partner. The CKFTA which came into force in January 2015 is the only FTA which Canada has concluded with any Asian countries.

I am pleased to report that as of September, exports from Canada to Korea increased by 25% compared with same period last year.

Canada is also one of the top destinations for Koreans to study, work and emigrate. For instance, around 20 thousand Korean students come to Canada every year for study.

Korea is the third largest country in terms of the number of students coming to Canada. (The first and second countries are China and India. They are too big for Korea to compete with.)

This close relationship has a historical background. At the end of the 19^th century and early 20^th century, more than 200 Canadian missionaries arrived in Korea. 

They made a lasting contribution to the modernization of Korea by helping to establish educational, medical and political systems in Korea.

As you know, from 1950 to 1953, roughly 27 thousand Canadian soldiers took part in the Korean War, resulting in 516 deaths.

We will never forget the sacrifice made by the Korean War veterans during the war to defend freedom and democracy in Korea.

Again, it is my absolute honour to meet them here today. We again thank them wholeheartedly for their contribution to my country.

Since the dark time of the Korean War, Korea has evolved into a prosperous democratic country, with the world’s 11^th largest economy now.

This is in no small measure due to the long standing support and cooperation of Canadians.

The Korean Embassy has been making great strides to enhance cultural, economic and people-to-people ties with Canadians, in particular with residents of the Capital Region. Today’s ‘Korea Day’ event is part of that effort.

The Korea Day program includes a school visit, a special wreath laying ceremony at the monument of the Korean War Veterans, a business roundtable, a Korean movie screening as well as a Korean dinner.

-         In particular, we look forward to a roundtable discussion this afternoon with local business leaders. I am confident that it can be a great opportunity for both of us to explore increased business cooperation. 

-         I also strongly encourage you to stay for a Korean movie screening, as well as the dinner this evening. The movie is fun to watch and the Korean food is always good!

Last but not least, please note the upcoming Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, which will be held in February, in Korea. For those of you who haven’t been to Korea yet, consider the Olympics as a great opportunity to visit.

As Korean Ambassador to Canada, I hope that Canada can achieve the top medal ranking in PyeongChang.

Korea’s target is to do better than in the past. Our best ranking happened to be in Vancouver. Korea was 5^th and Canada was 1^st in the gold medal count. This time we are aiming for 4^th.

So, my personal target is ‘Canada 1^st’, and ‘Korea 4^th or a little higher’

I wish the best for Team Canada, and would like to ask you all for your support of Team Korea as well.

Once again, I appreciate your hospitality today.

Please feel free to contact the Embassy should you have any questions or concerns pertaining to Korea’s economy, culture, and partnership with Canada.

I sincerely hope the residents of Cornwall enjoy ‘Korea Day’.

Thank you.