President Moon Jae-in and British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke by phone for approximately 20 minutes from 4:30 this afternoon.

During their telephone conversation, the two leaders engaged in discussions on issues of mutual concern, including the future development of bilateral ties, the North Korean nuclear issue and cooperation on nuclear power plants.

President Moon began by noting that the United Kingdom sent the most troops next to the United States during the Korean War, building a friendship with Korea forged in blood, and is home to the largest number of Korean expatriates in Europe. He went on to say that the Korean people are fond of and feel close to the United Kingdom resulting in the number of Koreans visiting the country reaching approximately 400,000 each year.

The President also stressed the fact that the United Kingdom is Korea’s second largest partner among European countries in trade and investment. He expressed the hope that close bilateral economic relations would continue to develop without being affected by Brexit.

Moreover, the President mentioned the United Kingdom’s high technological prowess and knowhow in the dismantling of nuclear power plants, saying that he looked forward to stepping up cooperation in the field of nuclear power.

In addition, the President asked for cooperation from the United Kingdom in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue. Prime Minister May responded by explaining the role her country took up in the process of resolving the Iranian nuclear issue and promised that her country’s experience would be shared with the Korean Government.

Prime Minister May highlighted the intent of the British Government to increase investment and improve trade ties with Korea in preparation for the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. Concluding the phone conversation, she said she looked forward to meeting the President in person at the earliest possible date.