By Xu Aiying and Kim Minji

President Moon Jae-in will become the first Korean leader to make state visits to Norway and Sweden during his Northern European tour from June 9-16 that also includes a stopover in Finland. 

Cheong Wa Dae Spokesperson Ko Min-jung on May 29 announced President Moon's schedule in a news briefing at Chunchugwan Press Center. "Finland, Norway and Sweden are essential cooperative partners for the Korean government regarding its top priorities: innovation and inclusive growth," she said. 

She said the president's upcoming trip is "a part of his efforts to realize innovative growth, peace and an inclusive nation, the administration's three priorities." 

In Finland from June 9-11, President Moon will hold a summit with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on boosting startup exchanges and enhancing bilateral cooperation for sustainable economic growth. 

On the second leg of his tour in Norway from June 11-13, President Moon will attend an official welcoming ceremony and state luncheon and dinner hosted by Norwegian King Harald V. To mark 60 years of bilateral ties, the president will also hold talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg on improving bilateral relations, realizing an eco-friendly economy, and boosting cooperation in Artic development and shipbuilding. 

In Sweden from June 13-15, President Moon will attend an official welcoming ceremony and state luncheon and dinner hosted by Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf. The president will then hold a summit with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven as both countries also mark their 60th anniversary of bilateral relations. 

The two leaders will discuss Sweden's experience as a cradle of cooperative labor-management relations and the Moon administration's vision to build an "inclusive country." 

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