News: President Park, “Anticipating that Korea and the Philippines Would Have a Stronger Relationship and Mutual Cooperation” On the 17th, President Park Geun-Hye said, “I am anticipating that the Philippines and South Korea will truly become partners in mutual cooperation in all fields,” as she evaluated the two countries’ relationship. President Park had invited Benigno Aquino III, the president of the Philippines, on a state visit. She welcomed him at the Blue House, South Korea’s equivalent to Malacañang. She introduced the Filipino guest to reporters during a state dinner that she hosted in honor of her him. President Park said, “The citizens of the Philippines have a great fondness for Korean Dramas (KDramas) and K-Pop, even extending their liking to Korean food, and in return, citizens of South Korea share the same fondness, as Korean tourists number to thousands that flock to the Philippines, seeking not only the country’s beautiful natural sports, but also attracted to the Filipinos’ warm hospitality,” she continued, “The people of these two countries might share different cultures, but have the same heart.” Aside from the Philippine delegates that attended the dinner, Philippine-born Proportional Representative, Lee Jasmine, was also present, “Lee Jasmine, being a lawmaker, is expected to play an important part in contributing to the further development of the relationship between the Philippines and Korea,” she said, “In the future, we hope to strengthen the relationships of the citizens of Korea and the Philippines, as both countries develop into bigger and stronger nations where all people can have happiness from,” she said. President Park commended President Aquino‘s father, former Senator Benigno Aquino, who was a war correspondent who reported on the Korea war for two years, “Senator Aquino was merely 17 years old when he came here as a war correspondent; he continued until he was 18 years old to report about the over 7400 Filipino soldiers who were sent to South Korea to help during the war. He helped in recording history by telling their story,” she said. Furthermore she said, “Their sacrifice and devotion is continually remembered until this day, thus, this meeting with President Aquino is very valuable,” she added. President Park then offered a toast to the Philippines, shouting, “Mabuhay” as they made the toast. President Aquino said in response, “President Park’s presidency/inauguration is in itself, historic,” he said, “Just as my mother was the first Filipina to lead my country, you hold the unique privilege of serving and leading your nation as its first female president. It is my hope that you will find the resilience and strength to guide your people towards a more vibrant future for Korea,” he said. In relation to the Korean war, he said, “At the time of World War II, the Philippines’ population was 12 million, out of that, 1 million people died and more suffered. We were taught that Manila was only second to Warsaw in terms of destruction ” he said, “Nevertheless, when the call from our Korean friends came, my countrymen were among the first to answer,” he said. He added, “We were determined to help, though we knew we had little to give. Our soldiers made do with the awkward helmets issued to them, and they were not used to the cold, but their determination and blazing hearts full of passion kept them warm,” he said, “They fought hard for human dignity and freedom from oppression and tyranny.” Aside from the govenment officials from the two countries, many company CEOs, Chairmen, and Presidents also came to the state dinner. Park Sam Koo of Kumho-Asiana, Cho Nam Ho of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction, Lee Jae Hyuk of Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co, Choi Chi Jun of Samsung Electronics, and Kim Yong Hwan of Export-Import Bank of Korea; 2NE1′s Sandara Park hosted the event that was attended by celebrities and representatives from the business and financial world.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:11:25 +0000
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