(Unofficial translation based on simultaneous interpretation provided)

Good morning,

I’d like to thank His Majesty the King, Madame Prime Minister Solberg and the great people of Norway for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation.

I am delighted to meet Prime Minister Solberg once again after the PyeongChang Winter Olympics last year. I’d like to point out that Norway finished first at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, thanks to your support. The Korean people were able to enjoy the outstanding performances of the Norwegian athletes during the Olympic Games. 

Norway is an old friend that provided help to Korea at times of need. Norway deployed a medical support unit during the Korean War, and it provided medical help even after the War as well. We are very grateful to Norway for all the support that it provided to us. 

Norway was the first Nordic country to form diplomatic relations with Korea. We have complementary economic structures, and we have continued cooperation based on shared values that uphold democracy, human rights and the people.  

Notably, this year is very meaningful as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. My state visit, the first by a Korean president to Norway, is all the more significant. 

During the gala dinner yesterday, Prime Minister Solberg and I discussed various issues sitting side-by-side. We also had in-depth discussions during the summit today. 

Today Prime Minister Solberg and I have reaffirmed the profound friendship between our two countries and shared the vision for future development. We also discussed concrete measures to take our relationship to the next level. 

First, we agreed to strengthen substantive, forward-looking cooperation to prepare for the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

Our two countries are the world's leading shipbuilding powerhouses. By combining our two nations' strengths, we agreed to push for cooperation to develop future-oriented, eco-friendly, autonomous ships. 

Furthermore, we have agreed to pursue cooperation related to technological development for the production, utilization and storage of hydrogen, the next pollution-free energy source, in order to realize the hydrogen economy.

Moreover, we believe that science and technology is critical for future cooperation. The two countries decided to set up a science and technology joint commission to share science and technology policies and expand the exchanges among researchers between the two countries. We will elevate the level of cooperation on innovative technology for new industries by supporting R&D efforts to companies in both countries.  

Second, the Prime Minister and I have agreed to strengthen cooperation for environmental protection and the construction of a sustainable welfare state. For our future generations, once again it is extremely important to strengthen development cooperation.

And also, in the areas of climate change responses and development cooperation, we have agreed to join in international efforts. In order to resolve fine dust issues in Korea, we are working really hard.

Prime Minister Solberg also talked about how we can strengthen our relations and resolve international issues, and the experiences in resolving air pollution through the trans-national cooperation within Northern Europe were also discussed.

In order to improve the welfare of the people, we signed a bilateral social protection agreement. Social security benefits, including pension rights, will be improved. To build a sustainable welfare society, we have agreed to share gender equality and inclusive growth experiences.

Third, exchanges at all levels that have led steady development of bilateral relations will be further promoted.

Through various celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, we will expand mutual understanding, increase high-level personnel exchanges, including at the summit level, and revitalize bilateral consultation.

We have noted that bilateral trade increased nearly threefold after the Korea-EU FTA came into effect in 2016. We will make continuous joint efforts to expand trade and investment.

Today, several MOUs were signed between ministers and between businesspeople from both countries in the presence of the Prime Minister and myself. I ask for your continued interest in this regard. 

Today, Prime Minister Solberg has shown firm support for our efforts to achieve complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. To the Korean people who sincerely aspire to peace, Norway’s support and encouragement would be of great help especially as Norway has a history of promoting international peace and mediating agreements.  

Through today’s meeting, I was able to confirm once again our deep friendship.  Importantly, I do have high expectation for the future of peace and prosperity that our two countries will carve out together. I am confident that my visit will be a significant milestone for our bilateral relations and peace on the Korean Peninsula. 

Once again, I express my thanks for the warm hospitality of His Majesty the King, Prime Minister Solberg and the Norwegian people. 

Tusen takk. (Thank you.)