베트남 참전군인 우호증진의 밤

SPEECH BY CONSUL GENERAL TO

THE VIETNAM WAR ASSOCIATION

ANZAC DAY FUNCTION

SATURDAY 26^th APRIL 2008

DINNER AT AUBURN RSL CLUB

___________________________________________________________

 

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

 

 

I am very much honoured to attend tonight’s function, since this dinner is for Korean War veterans who fought to save Korea, and Vietnam War veterans who fought so valiantly in South East Asia for freedom and democracy.

 

The links between Korea and Australia have been forged in blood but live on in peace.

 

The Korean people will forever remember that Australians fought and died for them in the Korean War.

 

That cooperation lead to Koreans and Australians fighting side by side in the Vietnam War some decades later, and these shared experiences are not easily forgotten.

 

They did so because it is only through freedom and democracy that peace and prosperity are ensured.

 

Based on freedom and democracy, Korea has developed and has now become the world’s 13^th largest economy[1] with the 11^th largest trade volume[2].

 

Korea is also the world’s most successful democratic country.

Vietnam War was so important for Korean Australians.

 

Since the Vietnam War the relationship between Korea and Australia has deepened and broadened.

 

Major immigration of Koreans to Australia began, and with the increase of immigration, the economic relationship between Korea and Australia was further enhanced.

Today, thanks to our complimentary economic structures, trade plays a vital role in both our nations’ well being, as does investment in each other’s economies and future prosperity.

 

A study into the benefits of a Free Trade Agreement between our two countries has just been completed and negotiations are expected to begin in the near future.

 

Our people to people contacts increase everyday as Koreans choose to immigrate to Australia permanently, travel for holidays here or become students at Australia’s many fine Universities.

 

Young working holiday makers come here to expand their understanding of the world and to improve their English language skills.

 

Korean communities also contribute much to the multicultural society of Australia.

 

As someone has said, “Our Korean communities’ dynamism, pride and heritage have substantially benefited all Australians”.

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

 

We are very fortunate to have a Korean War Memorial for Sydney expected to be built in the near future, hopefully early next year.

 

I thank the NSW Government and  all the War veterans who have worked hard to bring this memorial project into being.

 

The memorial will commemorate the everlasting friendship between our two nations.

 

It will be a special place for Korean Sydneysiders and visiting Koreans to remember the ties that bind us, a place where we can gather together to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers and a place where future generations will remember the sacrifices made on their behalf.

 

I hope Australian Vietnam War Veterans as well as Korean Vietnam veterans will contribute to the building of the Korean War Memorial, and the building of the friendship between our two countries.

 

My wish is that this friendship will continue to develop well into the future.

 

Thank you.

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[1] 2007 List of Countries by GDP, International Monetary Fund, 2006 List by World Bank as quoted on Wikipedia.

[2] Confirmed with KOTRA, 16.4.2008.