(Unofficial Translation)

Honorable State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, it is indeed a pleasure to see you again – this time in Korea ahead of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.  

When I visited Myanmar last September, I strongly sensed the great history and traditions of Myanmar from the reverential aura of towering Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and refined Buddhist culture that regards sharing as a great virtue. 

Myanmar sent us rice during the Korean War, a noble act of giving others what you value most out of generosity. I wish to thank the people of Myanmar and Madam State Counselor for being such a trusted and reliable neighbor.

At the last summit, our two countries agreed to link Myanmar’s sustainable development program with Korea’s New Southern Policy. The construction of the Korea-Myanmar Industrial Complex has laid the groundwork for a diverse range of economic cooperation. I expect our collaborative ties will further expand into the areas of jobs creation, education, environmental protection and marine products, thereby further strengthening our friendship. 

The speech that Madam State Counselor delivered at the ASEAN-ROK Culture Innovation Summit added grace to the event and helped to make it a great success. I hope that today’s summit will serve as a valuable opportunity to usher in an era of common prosperity between our two countries as well as between Korea and the Mekong countries.

Thank you.