Congratulatory Speech at the World Korean Day Ceremony... "Unification May Take Time, But We Can Cooperate and Get Along Well"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in stated at the '15th World Korean Day' commemorative ceremony held on the 5th at the Grand Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul, "The role of compatriots who possess the identity of the Korean people is very important. I hope that you, the compatriots, will widely promote the international power of one Korea beyond the South and North, and the possibility of greater prosperity through lasting peace."
President Moon said, "Even if unification takes time, the South and North can cooperate amicably and live well together."
President Moon explained, "From the perspective of overseas Koreans, the two Koreas divided into South and North must be a regrettable reality. However, we have no reason to be in conflict. Competition between systems or comparisons of national power have long since lost their meaning. Now, prospering together is more important."
President Moon said, "I dream that the future generations of all 80 million South and North Koreans and 7.5 million overseas Koreans empathize and unite for the sustainable development of the Korean Peninsula and the world."
In particular, President Moon emphasized his gratitude to the first generation of overseas Koreans. He explained, "At today's commemorative ceremony, Mr. Lim Dae-han, a next-generation compatriot, is present to mark the 100th anniversary of migration to Cuba. Mr. Lim’s great-grandfather, Mr. Lim Cheon-taek, was the first-generation Korean in Cuba and an independence activist, and his descendants continue his legacy."
President Moon evaluated, "Despite the hardships of living in a foreign land, compatriots supported the Korean Provisional Government and the Liberation Army. The historic experience of the entire nation coming together to finally achieve independence became a great strength for the Republic of Korea to overcome war, poverty, dictatorship, and economic crises after liberation."
President Moon said, "Last year, in the face of the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19, our resilience shone once again," adding, "Thanks to compatriots around the world who have practiced the proverb 'A friend in need is a friend indeed,' the status of the Republic of Korea has also been elevated."
President Moon explained, "Above all, the government did its best to protect the safety of compatriots amid the spread of COVID-19. We cooperated with Korean associations and coordinated with local governments to open blocked air routes," adding, "So far, we have safely repatriated 62,200 overseas nationals from 122 countries and safely returned 22,500 overseas nationals to their countries of residence from 46 countries."
President Moon said, "The next generations of the Korean community are following in the footsteps of their predecessors, becoming confident leaders in their countries of residence and growth partners of the motherland," and pledged, "The government will also generously support our future generations so that they do not forget the bloodline of the Korean people and can grow into confident leaders of their countries and local communities."
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