President Moon Jae-in had an audience with Queen Margrethe II of the Kingdom of Denmark at 11:00 this morning (local time) and discussed ways to promote bilateral relations between the two countries and recent developments on the Korean Peninsula. Queen Margrethe II made a state visit to Korea in October 2007.
At the meeting held at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, President Moon began by noting the advancement of close bilateral cooperation in a wide array of areas, including shipbuilding, maritime shipping, energy and agriculture. Korea and Denmark established diplomatic ties in 1959.
President Moon and Queen Margrethe agreed to further cement a foundation for friendly cooperation and work together by designating 2019 as the Year of Culture in both countries to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Korea and Denmark.
The President next explained the situation of the Korean Peninsula, which has entered a path toward peace, and asked the Queen for her interest in and support for the settlement of peace on the Peninsula. In reply, Queen Margrethe gave high marks to the efforts and achievements made so far.
Mentioning the Danish word hygge, which describes the national trait of seeking simple happiness amid a comfortable, cozy life, President Moon said that it corresponded well with the Korean Government’s policy of fostering a work-life balance and that there was a lot to learn from it.
Queen Margrethe replied that interest in Korean culture has been growing recently in Denmark and that there were increasing opportunities for the peoples of both countries to experience each other’s culture.