Korea-Slovenia Summit... "Starting Point for Leaping into a New Future" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in, who is visiting the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a summit meeting with Borut Pahor, President of Slovenia, on the 20th (local time) to discuss bilateral relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The Korea-Slovenia summit is the second since the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

President Moon said, "With your leadership that has contributed to European integration, I expect solidarity and cooperation among EU member states to be further strengthened, and Korea-EU relations will also deepen," adding, "I hope that today's summit, held ahead of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, will be a starting point for mutual growth and cooperation between our two countries and a leap toward a new future together."

President Pahor stated, "I want to emphasize that Korea is a very important cooperation partner in the region," and added, "I hope to strengthen cooperation with Korea in the economy, politics, and all various fields, which will be beneficial to both countries."

He also expressed support for the peace process on the Korean Peninsula. President Pahor said, "At the time, there were skeptical views about the peace and reconciliation methods you envisioned for Korea, but looking back now, I think politics is moving in the direction you desire," and added, "I wish you luck, believing that your vision will ultimately prevail."

President Moon evaluated Slovenia's efforts to open an embassy in Korea this year ahead of the meaningful 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

President Pahor agreed with President Moon's evaluation and expectations and proposed expanding trade, investment, and cooperation in shipping and logistics between the two countries. Slovenia's Port of Koper is the largest port in the Adriatic Sea region and serves as a logistics hub for our companies in Central and Eastern Europe.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon also congratulated Slovenia on assuming the presidency of the European Union (EU) in the second half of this year and expressed hope to continue developing the Korea-EU strategic partnership. They also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on global issues such as climate change.

President Moon explained the South Korean government's efforts for the complete denuclearization and permanent peace settlement on the Korean Peninsula, and President Pahor reaffirmed that the Slovenian government consistently supports the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.

The Blue House evaluated, "This Korea-Slovenia summit served as an opportunity to broadly discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations ahead of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year and to seek strengthening Korea-EU relations through deepened cooperation with Slovenia, the EU presidency."

Meanwhile, after the summit, President Pahor highly praised President Moon for his contributions to maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula and awarded him the Slovenian government's 'Special Service Medal.' President Moon, in turn, expressed gratitude for Slovenia's active support for the development of bilateral relations and the South Korean government's peace process on the Korean Peninsula and awarded President Pahor the 'Mugunghwa Grand Order.'