Agreement to Establish Strategic Partnership Next Year
"A 50-Year Journey of Solidarity and Cooperation to Overcome Complex Crises"
President Yoon Suk-yeol is holding a South Korea-Singapore summit with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Singapore Parliament on the morning of the 8th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]
President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 8th (local time) during his state visit to Singapore, "Next year, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Republic of Korea and Singapore have agreed to establish a strategic partnership," adding, "The horizon of cooperation between the two countries will expand into advanced technology sectors and global issues."
President Yoon made these remarks at the state banquet hosted by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, saying, "Strategic cooperation at both regional and global levels will also be further strengthened."
He emphasized, "If the past 50 years together have been a history of growth and pioneering, the next 50 years will be a journey of solidarity and cooperation to uphold core values and overcome complex crises together."
In particular, President Yoon mentioned that many young people in Singapore enjoy Korean music and dramas, while Koreans are enthusiastic about Singaporean coffee, tea, and kaya jam. He also noted that in July, Lee Hsien Loong, former Prime Minister of Singapore, personally introduced major landmarks in Seoul through social networking services (SNS), and this post garnered over 12,000 responses, becoming a major topic of interest.
"Over 900,000 mutual visits last year... Cooperation to broaden"
President Yoon conveyed, "Last year, more than 900,000 citizens from both countries visited each other, expanding exchanges between our peoples," and added, "As interest and understanding deepen, the breadth of our solidarity and cooperation will also widen."
He continued, "Based on cooperation with Singapore, the Republic of Korea will establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN at this week's Korea-ASEAN Summit, the highest-level partnership with ASEAN," and added, "I hope the two countries will join forces to contribute even more significantly to peace and prosperity in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region."
President Yoon also highlighted the significance of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, a landmark building in Singapore constructed by a Korean company. He introduced it by saying, "The Marina Bay Sands Hotel, a 200-meter building tilted at 52 degrees with a 60,000-ton garden on top, is called the Leaning Tower of Pisa of the 21st century and is regarded as a miracle of modern architecture."
President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at a joint press conference after concluding a summit with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Singapore Parliament on the 8th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]
President Shanmugaratnam explained, "Once a regional port under colonial rule, Singapore has developed into a global economic hub, and the Republic of Korea has risen from the ruins of war to become an economic powerhouse and cultural phenomenon," adding, "Both countries share a common spirit of turning adversity into opportunity, nurturing strength from barren lands, and contributing to a better world."
He emphasized, "Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1975, the relationship between our two countries has deepened and expanded simultaneously," and said, "The strategic partnership will provide a roadmap for cooperation in new important fields such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, and green economy."
He continued, "The two countries are each other's seventh-largest trading partners, and bilateral investment has also increased significantly," noting, "We signed four memorandums of understanding covering supply chain partnerships, liquefied natural gas (LNG) procurement, advanced industry and energy technology, and cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises and startups." He particularly cited the 'Hyundai Motor Group Singapore Global Innovation Center,' a smart urban mobility hub established by Hyundai Motor Group last November in Singapore's Jurong Innovation District, as an example demonstrating the shared commitment of both countries to innovation, future mobility, and sustainability.
"Singapore's Korean Wave... First joint film also resonates deeply"
President Shanmugaratnam also introduced the human and cultural exchanges between the two countries. He said, "Years ago, the Korean Wave swept through Singapore, and K-dramas, K-movies, and K-pop remain very popular," mentioning, "K-pop groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and aespa have become familiar names to everyone, and their concerts are always sold out." He referred to 'Ajumma,' the first joint film between Korea and Singapore, saying, "It resonated deeply with audiences in both countries."
He added, "The two countries support a free and open trading system and emphasize building a rules-based international order," explaining, "Singapore has supported efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula because it is essential for broader regional prosperity." He also stated, "Going forward, Singapore will continue to support all constructive efforts to ease regional tensions and achieve lasting peace."
At the state banquet that day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun, National Security Office Director Shin Won-sik, and Special Advisor on Foreign and Security Affairs Jang Ho-jin were present. Also attending were Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, CJ Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, Hanwha Aerospace Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, and LS Group Chairman Koo Ja-eun. Director Heo Shu-ming, who directed the Korea-Singapore joint film 'Ajumma,' and Singaporean actor Hong Hui-fang, who starred in the film, also attended.
President Yoon Suk-yeol visited Hyundai Motor Group's Global Innovation Center (HMGICS) in Singapore on the 8th (local time) and toured the facilities within the center together with Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun and the head of the local subsidiary. [Image source=Yonhap News]
After the banquet, President Yoon posted on Facebook, "Thank you President Tharman and Mrs. Ito Ki for the warm hospitality at today's state banquet," and introduced, "I tasted Singapore’s national dish, Hainanese chicken rice, at the banquet. It was warm and delicious. In fact, we Koreans also enjoy eating seasoned chicken with rice."
He continued, "Korea and Singapore have many similarities. We overcame poverty after independence through education and innovation, and built a modern nation rooted in family values, freedom, and the rule of law," adding, "I hope our friendship will deepen even more as time goes by."
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