국경일 리셉션연설

Excellencies,

Ambassadors and High Commissioners,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Many thanks for your presence here tonight!

Tonight we celebrate the four thousand three hundred and forty second anniversary of our National Day which actually falls on the 3^rd of October.

 

Korean National Day is the day when our ancestors established “Old Chosun” more than four thousand years ago.

 

Let’s jump to the current situation of Korea.

 

Our President Lee Myung-bak mentioned the following in his address at 64th UN General Assembly and I quote.

 

“At the time of the Korean War, Korea was among the least developed countries in the world, with a per capita income of less than 50 dollars. But to everyone’s surprise, Korea was able to achieve both industrialization and democratization in only a single generation. Korea has transformed itself from an aid recipient country to a donor country.” End of a quote.

 

Korea now is the world’s 15th largest economy(it was 11^th in 2003) with 11th largest trade volume.

 

Korea is a member of G20 and will host G20 Summit meeting next year.

 

We achieved this in forty years overcoming resource poor small territory with only forty eight million people.

 

Korea also successfully weathered Asian financial crisis in late 1990s and will be the fastest country to exit from the current worldwide financial meltdown.

 

Current government, with this achievement, is striving to become a “Global Korea” by harmonizing our interests with those of the entire world, and by exerting efforts to make our well-being contribute to the well-being of all of humanity.

 

Some examples of our contributions as a country to achieve a Global Korea are participation in achieving Millennium Development Goals, and in peacekeeping operations.

 

 

 

 

 

Although Korea is the only remaining divided region in the world, Korea is actively engaging in promoting international peace and security and preventing terrorism.

 

Currently Koreans are serving 13 missions around the world.

 

 

In addition, current government is aiming to become a leader in “Low Carbon Green Growth” strategy which is and will be the most important development trajectory of all the countries in the world facing climate change.

 

With this vision, we will not only transform our economic and industrial structures, but also change our very lifestyle to become more future-oriented.

 

 

Too much bragging?

 

All I want to say is that Korea can be the true development partner to Nigeria.

 

Korea and Nigeria share many things although the two countries are far apart geographically.

 

We both have long history. Among them period of colony and civil war are included.

 

We both have excellent manpower which is the most important resources in the knowledge economy.

 

Both of our people are very religious and have similar culture.

 

Both people love football.

I wish both football team meet in South Africa in 2010.

 

Also, the two countries are complementary in economic structure.

I will not mention oil and gas. You heard them too often.

 

So we have so much potential yet to be developed or explored.

 

To develop potential is the task of businesses.

Here you witness Daewoo, Hyundai, KIA, LG, Samsung, and many others doing business.

 

KNOC and KOGAS are having interests in Nigeria.

They are and will contribute to Nigerian economy as well.

 

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

 

With these similarity and complementarity and with active participation of private sector, I firmly believe that Nigeria and Korea will be a true and the closest development partner to achieve both countries’ development goals; Vision 20:2020 and Low Carbon Green Growth.

 

Achieving these goals demand close cooperation between government and private sector. Government should not hold their feet and should support them to unleash their potential.

 

 

My Government will renew our commitment to develop bilateral relationship next year, because the year 2010 will be the thirtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nigeria.

Already one generation has passed here also.

 

As a commitment, we will open Korean Culture Center in Abuja. Many cultural exchange programs including Taekwondo program will follow paving the way to deeper friendship.

 

But tonight you can taste a Korean culture, song and dancing.

I have pleasure to present to you the Korean Traditional Music and Dance by the National Center for Korean Namdo Performing Art Troupes. This team is the best of the best in my country.

 

I hope all of you enjoy our traditional performances.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

 

I would like to propose a toast to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the people of the Republic of Korea and to the ever-lasting friendship between the two countries.

 

Cheers!