(Unofficial translation based on simultaneous interpretation provided)


God morgon.

Thank you, Prime Minister Löfven and the Swedish people for your warm hospitality that you have shown to myself and my delegation. As we mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two countries, I am very pleased to pay my first state visit to Sweden as President of the Republic of Korea. I hope that my visit will deepen the strong friendship and trust that we have established. 

This year the Republic of Korea celebrated the 100th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement and establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Over the past 100 years, Korea has achieved national independence, economic development, democracy by the power and will of its people. For the next 100 years we are moving forward toward innovative and inclusive nation where everyone prospers together. 

With its mature political culture, stable labor management relations, world-class innovation competitiveness and impressive welfare system, Sweden is an exemplary nation in all aspects and we take a lot of inspirations from Sweden. It would be fair to say that today's Sweden, the envy of the wourld, started right here Saltsjobaden. It is very meaningful that I had a meeting with Prime Minister Löfven in this historic place where dialogue, compromise, trust and win-win culture sprouted.

I will never forget the walk we took together before the meeting. The Prime Minister talked in depth about the trust formed between the unions and companies and the people and the Government that led the development and integration of Sweden. I have learned a lot today from the Prime Minister who had been working for long time in the union with the vast experiences of building social trust and he has given me the inspiration and courage. Korea is also actively pursuing social dialogue and compromise to achieve innovation and inclusiveness. Earlier this year, a tripartite commission comprised of the representatives from labor, management and Government signed an agreement for job creation project. Just as social grand compromise started in Saltsjobaden created mature politics and culture of Sweden we see today, I hope the Gwangju job creation project will become a model for dialogue, compromise and growth of Korea. 

Today the Prime Minister and I have exchanged views on the ways to expand practical cooperation between our two countries, promote peace and prosperity in the region and respond to global issues. We have decided to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation to usher in the future of new prosperity. 

First, we have decided to expand the horizon of cooperation in science and technology to enhance vitality of innovative growth and together prepare for the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Sweden and Korea boast world-class innovation competitiveness with achievements in science and technology being particularly remarkable. We have decided to further promote exchange among scientists and establish Scientific and Technological Joint Research Cooperation System in which Nordic countries participate. Cooperation between small and medium-sized businesses and startups is a key driver of innovative growth. We have signed an MOU on cooperation in the fields of SMEs and innovation. The Korean Startup Center which will be established in Stocklholm next year will help young generations in both countries develop creativity and the spirit of challenge and thereby start their own businesses. 

Korea and Sweden are already working together toward a brighter future. 5G communications equipment, bio-health, environmentally friendly car batteries are just some of the new industries that we highly value in bilateral cooperation. We have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the carbon fusion material industry and the IoT-based convergence industry which are the core industries of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

Second, we also discussed the ways to move toward more inclusive society where no one is alienated and fairer society where no one is discriminated against. Prime Minister Per Albin Hansson who led the negotiation for Saltsjobaden agreement once said, here I quote, "in a good home there is equality, consideration, co-operation and helpfulness. Applied to society as a whole, this would require that we break down all the social and economic barriers that now divide citizens into the privileged and those left behind." We learn the wisdom and insights to solve problems resulting from the deepening polarizations that the world is experiencing. 

Today, Sweden has a social safety net that protects society's weakest and welfare system enjoyed by all citizens. Sweden has continued discussions and made tremendous efforts to resolve conflicts in order to ensure human rights, social equality and gender equality. 

Today, we have shared some of the invaluable experiences and future visions of our two countries have had. Moreover, we signed an MOU for cooperation on gender equality and family policies to lay the institutional foundation and I look forward to active policiy exchange in relevant areas in the future. 

Third, the two countries have agreed to cooperate closely for the sake of regional peace and prosperity and responses to global issues. Sweden is a friend of Korea that has worked together for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. These examples can be found by Sweden's decision to dispatch medical support teams during the Korean War and along with this noble act of kindness Sweden has served as a member of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission since the armistice. Recently, the Swedish Government appointed a special envoy to the Korean Peninsula, providing an opportunity for the two Koreas and the U.S. to continue dialogue. 

Today, the Prime Minister has given his full support and encouragement to my Government's efforts for complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister and I hope Sweden will continue to be a partner for peace on the Korean Peninsula. 

We have also decided to work together to address global challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, democracy and human rights. After today's meeting, I am confident that our two countries have laid solid foundation for bright future in the coming 60 years. I hope the Prime Minister will visit Korea at his convenient time so that I may return the kindness which you have extended to me this time. 

Once again, I would like to thank His Majesty the King, Prime Minister and the Swedish people for their warm welcome. 

Tack så mycket. (Thank you very much.)