On June 27, Foreign Minister had a luncheon with some 40 participants in the 19th Korea-UK Forum for the Future, including government officials as well as parliamentary, business and academic leaders, at Shilla Hotel in Seoul to exchange views on various topics, such as Korea-UK ties and cooperation on global issues, and the situation on the Korean peninsula.
Minister Kim noted with satisfaction the development of Korea-UK ties into a mature partnership in a wide range of fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1883. He added that the Korea-EU FTA slated to take effect on July 1 will serve as a basis for the development of cooperative ties in overall sectors, including trade and investment.
In his conversations with Senator John Kerr and other leading UK figures, Minister Kim explained Korea's proactive contributions to resolving such global issues as the financial crisis, development, denuclearization and climate change, underscoring the need for Korea and the UK to work closely together on major global issues.
In response to the keen interest shown by the UK leaders in inter-Korean relations and the North Korean nuclear issue, Minister Kim explained the current situation on the Korean peninsula and the Korean government's position. Meanwhile, the UK figures expressed intention to take continued interest in the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, and to support the Korean government's position.
The Korea-UK Forum for the Future has served as an arena of dialogue between Korean and UK leaders since its inaugural gathering in 1993. The 19th of its kind, which opened on June 27 and will continue through 28, sponsored by the Korea Foundation, is expected to further promote Korea-UK exchanges and cooperation.
source: MOFAT
