President Moon: "Many Countries Want to Cooperate with Our Country"

Sharing Reflections After Completing G7 Schedule on SNS... "Precious Time Meeting Prime Minister Suga for the First Time, Regret Over the Summit"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in conveyed through a social networking service (SNS) message on the 13th (local time) after concluding the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Cornwall, United Kingdom, that many countries want to cooperate with South Korea.

President Moon stated, "Today, the Republic of Korea has become the world's 10th largest economy and a country where the most mature citizens in the world act together for democracy, quarantine, and carbon neutrality," adding, "Now, we have become a country that determines our own destiny and can exchange support and cooperation with other countries."

President Moon explained, "While attending the G7 summit, two historical events lingered in my mind. One was the 1907 Hague Peace Conference. Lee Jun, who rode the Trans-Siberian Railway to reach The Hague to inform about Japan's diplomatic invasion, was not even allowed to enter the conference hall."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon added, "The other was the Potsdam Conference, where the division of the Korean Peninsula was decided. Our destiny was determined by the decisions of the great powers without us even raising our voices." He emphasized South Korea's elevated national status at the G7 summit. President Moon said, "Throughout the G7 summit, I acted with the mindset of representing our people. I am proud of the Republic of Korea. I sincerely thank you."

President Moon said, "I was invited to the G7 summit and completed all schedules well. Responsible countries around the world exchanged sincere opinions on health, open society, climate environment, and each topic. We also promised to play a role befitting our national status and power for a sustainable world, especially emphasizing the role of a bridge between developed and developing countries."

President Moon explained, "The meetings held on the occasion of the G7 summit were also very meaningful. I discussed vaccine production cooperation with AstraZeneca Chairman Soriot, exchanged opinions on Germany's advanced vaccine development cooperation with German Chancellor Merkel, and shared consensus on hydrogen economy cooperation with Australian Prime Minister Morrison, as well as green and digital cooperation with EU Council President Michel and Commission President von der Leyen."

President Moon expressed hope, "I also pledged future cooperation in advanced technology, culture, and education fields with French President Macron. This will be an opportunity to broaden our diplomatic horizon and expand cooperation in digital and green sectors."

However, President Moon conveyed, "My first face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Suga was a precious time that could mark a new beginning in Korea-Japan relations, but I regret that it did not lead to a formal summit."