(Unofficial translation)

Rain falling in Yangon nourished ears of rice, cooled the midday heat and gave my delegation a moment to unwind. Just as rain falls evenly, the people of Myanmar respect the elderly, cooperate with each other and accumulate virtues by sharing. They seemed like our neighbors back home in Korea.

Do you happen to know the Win Htut Zaw Foundation?

Mr. Win Htut Zaw, a migrant worker from Myanmar, was involved in a tragic accident at work and declared brain dead. Through organ donation, however, he gave a new lease on life to four Korean nationals. His family donated all the money for his funeral expenses offered by the Korean Government to a Korean orphanage. The Korean community in Myanmar set up the Win Htut Zaw Foundation as a token of great appreciation for his goodwill and still honors the noble spirit of the deceased. Thus far, 26 students have received scholarships, and the number of beneficiaries is expected to rise. 

Myanmar sent rice during the Korean War, which greatly helped Koreans rise above the ruins. Cooperation with Myanmar is a way to promote each other’s growth and share virtues as well. The Korea-Myanmar Industrial Complex to be built near Yangon will accelerate the country's fast economic growth and provide Korean businesses with new opportunities. Korea's experience has merged with Myanmar's potential. As we share similarities, our two countries can become reliable partners for one another.

Indelible pain still lingers at the Aung San National Cemetery even after 35 years have passed. I paid tribute to the Korean envoys sacrificed by the North Korean terrorist bombing by laying a wreath at the Korean Martyrs Memorial and pondered over the sorrow of the bereaved relatives. This suffering left by the era of confrontation is precisely what we must fully overcome. 

I extend my gratitude to the people of Myanmar, President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for their warm welcome. Now, the Miracle on the Hangang River can flow into the Miracle on the Yangon. 

Back home, I hope that everyone braces well for the typhoon.