President Yoon Pays Tribute at Ottawa War Memorial in Canada... Expresses Gratitude to Korean War Veterans

Casual Talk with Simon, the Governor General of Canada, and His Wife

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Seok-yeol, after completing his schedule in Toronto, Canada, arrived in the capital city Ottawa and on the 23rd (local time), paid tribute at the war memorial attended by local Korean War veterans.

Canada was the third country to send the largest number of troops during the Korean War, following the United States and the United Kingdom.

President Yoon and his wife Kim Keon-hee observed a moment of silence for one minute and laid flowers in front of the war memorial.

He then personally expressed gratitude to five veterans, toured around the war memorial, and took commemorative photos. Korean-Canadian Senator Yuenah Martin also attended the event.

After paying tribute at the war memorial, President Yoon met with Governor General Mary Simon and her spouse for a conversation.

As a member of the Commonwealth, Canada has a Governor General who represents the official head of state, the British monarch.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon said to Governor General Simon, "At first, the schedule was tight and a bit tough, but after coming to Toronto yesterday and Ottawa today, I feel rested and my fatigue is relieved," adding, "Canada is so wonderful and beautiful."

When Governor General Simon asked, "Is this your first visit to Canada?" President Yoon replied, "Unfortunately, it is my first time. I regret not having traveled to such a wonderful country earlier."

In response, Governor General Simon expressed her welcome again, saying, "I hope you come back to Canada and visit other regions as well."

In the afternoon, President Yoon will hold a Korea-Canada summit with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This is their second summit following their meeting at the NATO summit held in Madrid, Spain, at the end of June.