South Korean President Yoon gives speech in English to the British Parliament, ”Expanding horizons of cooperation...Joint response to North Korean nuclear threat, etc.”

South Korean President Yoon Seo-gyeol said on the 21st (local time), ``Based on the ``Korea-UK Accord'' that we will conclude during this state visit, the two countries are now engaged in a true ``global war.''
``The horizons of cooperation between the two countries include digital/artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, nuclear power, the defense industry, bio/space/semiconductors, offshore wind/clean energy,
"We will greatly expand into the marine field, etc.," he said. In the afternoon of the same day, President Yoon, who was visiting the UK as a state guest at the invitation of King Charles III, spoke at the British Parliament, saying, ``The friendship between our two countries turns challenges into opportunities.''
In a speech titled ``Friendship to Turnour Challengestopure Opportunity'', he said, ``This year marks the 140th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and the UK.
"This will be a turning point that will take the relationship between the two countries to a new level." This will be the first time that a South Korean president will address the British Parliament. The speech that day was held in English for approximately 30 minutes.
President Yun said, ``This spring, the British military will participate in South Korea-U.S. joint exercises for the first time, and a new system of information sharing and cyber security cooperation between South Korea and the United Kingdom is being established.''
While dealing with the threat of North Korea's weapons of mass destruction (WMD), we will also strengthen cooperation with the international community against cyber crimes such as virtual currency theft and technological hacking."
At the same time, ``Trade and investment between the two countries has been active in areas such as finance, distribution, services, and biotechnology, and the Korea-UK FTA will come into effect in 2021.''
"Since then, the two countries have become even more active," he said, adding, "We have now begun negotiations to improve the Korea-UK FTA and solidify the foundation for cooperation in supply chains and digital trade."
President Yoon began his speech by pointing out the past and present of UK-Korea relations. President Yoon said, ``South Korea was the first European country to enter into a trade agreement with Britain in 1883.
John Ross, a missionary who translated the New Testament into Korean for the first time in 1887; Ernest Bethel, a reporter who founded the Korean Maeil Sinbo in 1904; and Cebu in 1916.
He mentioned missionaries such as Frank Schofield, who came to Korea as a veterinarian at Reims Hospital. He continued, ``Even in 1950, Britain did not hesitate to protect the freedom of the Republic of Korea.''
``When the fate of the Republic of Korea was brought to the brink by the invasion of communist forces, Britain dispatched 80,000 troops, the second largest force in the world, of which over 1,000 young men were citizens of distant countries they did not know.
He gave his life to protect the freedom of the people." In particular, he mentioned the British Gloucester 1st Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel James Caan, for its brilliant achievements in the Battle of Imjin River. President Yoon
``On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Korea, I would like to express my deep gratitude and infinite respect,'' he said, directly inviting Colin Thackeray, a veteran of the Korean War and the Secretary of Honor for the Republic of Korea, to give a speech to Congress that day.
said. President Yoon said, ``The UK will make the second largest contribution of $26.84 million to the United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency (UNKRA), supporting the establishment of the Ulsan Shipyard, Kori Nuclear Power Plant, and Ulsan Institute of Technology.
``Britain also played a major role in Korea's postwar development process.''
He also stated that ``now we are facing new challenges'' regarding the war in Ukraine, Israel and Hamada.
He pointed out that geopolitical risks such as the conflict in South Korea and the North Korean nuclear threat, as well as disparities in supply chains, climate response, and the digital sector, are exacerbating economic disparities between countries.
He went on to say, ``Historian Arnold Toynbee said that civilizations are born and develop through a process of repeated challenge and response.''
South Korea and the United Kingdom, which have written a history of great creativity, must work together in close solidarity to fight together against the world's many challenges. South Korea stands in solidarity with the UK and the international community against unlawful aggression and provocation
We will fight to protect international norms and international order. South Korea and the UK will work together to strengthen the political and economic security of the Indo-Pacific region."
``Both Korea and the UK will support the green energy transition efforts of climate-vulnerable countries while working to expand clean energy, including nuclear power.''
” he added. In addition, President Yoon stated, ``AI and other digital technologies must contribute to expanding human freedom and welfare,'' and ``The Korean government is accepting the British proposal.
We will work closely with the ``AI Safety Network'' and the United Nations' ``AI High Level Advisory Mechanism'' to lead communication and cooperation with the international community to establish AI digital norms. Also,
We will promote digital innovation while doubling our support to reduce the digital divide." President Yoon also emphasized cultural and artistic exchange. ``Both countries have made a proud history of challenges and fighting back.
``If Britain has the right foot of the Beatles, Queen, Harry Potter, and David Beckham, Korea has the right foot of B.
There's TS, BLACKPINK, Squid Game, and Son Heung-min's right foot." President Yoon echoed Winston Churchill, who said, ``The price of greatness is responsibility.''
``Now is the time for both countries to contribute to a better future for humanity as creative partners,'' he added, ``We will work together to promote freedom, peace, and prosperity in the international community.''
We will work together.” "For this friendship will bring us happiness and turn the challenges we face into opportunities."
friendship may so happy prove, to turn our challenges to pure
He ended his speech by quoting a line from Shakespeare's play ``Romeo and Juliet.''