Mr. President,
We welcome you toGreecewith the conviction that your visit to this country will further promote our excellent bilateral relations. The friendship between our peoples offsets the geographical distance between our countries.Koreais one of our most important trade partners in theFar East. We look forward to the continuous strengthening of our economic and trade relations.
Reconstruction and progress in our countries rapidly followed the great sufferings which the peoples ofKoreaand theGreecewent through during World War II and during the Cold War.Korea’s economic miracle has impressed the world and is among the best economic performances of recent years.Greecetoo, as a member of the European Union, was able through a sustained effort to become the most prosperous country in South-Eastern Europe.
We are a people known for our achievements in shipping. Over 15% of world capacity and over 50% of the European Union capacity belongs to Greek interests. Many of these ships were built in the shipyards of theRepublicofKorea. The Greek shipowners are the most important customers of South Korean shipyards and among the main supporters of this branch of Korean heavy industry.
We aim at attracting direct Korean investments toGreeceas well as strengthening our tourist cooperation. I note with great satisfaction today’s signing of a Tourist Cooperation Agreement as well as of the Agreement on Maritime Transport. We expect Korean goods to gain better access to the other European and Balkan states through Greek ports.
We have been following the recent dramatic developments in theMiddle East. The situation inLebanon, in the occupied Palestinian territories of theWest Bankand inGazais becoming a huge humanitarian disaster.Greecehas repeatedly stressed the need for an immediate solution to the Palestinian issue and for a settlement based on two independent and sovereign states, a safeIsraeland a democraticPalestinewhich will be able to coexist peacefully and in conditions of security.
UN Security Council Resolution 1701 has brought about a fragile ceasefire. The European Union, with the participation of Greek forces, will play a decisive and active role inLebanoncontributing directly to keeping the ceasefire and at the same time bringing humanitarian aid. The respect for international legality and the sovereignty of states, for peace as well as the consolidation of a feeling of security in theMiddle Eastare a challenge and of fundamental importance both for the countries in the region as well as forEuropeand for the international community.
Mr. President,
A fair and viable solution to theCyprusissue on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the principles of the European Union of whichCyprusis a full member, is a priority for this country. At the same timeGreeceis committed to a European Turkey and has therefore supported the start of accession negotiations between our neighbour and the European Union. We note nevertheless thatTurkeycontinues not to recognize theRepublicofCyprusand to adopt certain practices such as military activities which cause tension or even question the legal status of theAegean. These practices are not in line with International Law and good neighbourly relations. We expectTurkeyto fully comply with the conditions and the criteria set by the European Union. Their European course depends mainly on themselves.
In the Balkans we strive for the consolidation of an environment of stability, cooperation, security and good neighbourly relations. The future accession of all Balkan states, without exception, to the euro-atlantic institutions is a strategic choice for us. We consistently support their effort to approach the European Union. Nevertheless, the issue of the name of theFormer Yugoslav Republic of Macedoniawhich touches upon the sensitivity of the Greek people is still pending and this goes against good neighbourly relations. At this point I should like to mark our appreciation for your country’s consistent position on this matter.
Mr. President,
We support fully your efforts for peace, stability and prosperity on theKoreanPeninsulaas well as for the peaceful reunification of the twoKoreas. In this framework we followed closely the exchanges between South andNorth Koreawhich started with the “Sunshine” policy of June 2000 and continued with your government’s “Peace and Prosperity” policy. The situation on thePeninsularemains sensitive and complex.Greecewill continue its active support for the efforts to resolve the security issues of thePeninsulain a peaceful manner.
Mr. President,
I am convinced that our countries will continue their common course in the direction of the continuous growth in our relations with the same zeal and enthusiasm.
With these optimistic words I would like to raise my glass to wish you and your wife personal health, growth and prosperity to the friendly people of theRepublicofKoreaand the strengthening of the friendship and cooperation between our peoples.
