His Excellency Doo-young Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, and Mrs. Jiseon Lee;
Distinguished Cabinet Ministers;
Your Excellencies, Heads of Mission and other members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Members of Staff of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea;
Specially invited guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good evening.
It is my pleasure to join you this evening and to extend congratulations on behalf of Prime Minister - Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley - and the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Government and People of the Republic of Korea on the commemoration of the National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea.
Known as Gaecheonjeol in Korean, literally translated as “the Festival of the Opening of Heaven”, Korea’s National Foundation Day signifies the legendary founding of the first Korean state of Gojoseon in 2333 BC. The country’s development trajectory, since the late 1940s, is certainly worthy of admiration resulting as it has in the strong economic and technologically advanced nation that South Korea is today.
2015 is also a watershed year for Trinidad and Tobago and Korea as it marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries and three decades of a mutually beneficial relationship at the government-to-government and people-to-people levels. Interestingly, the commencement of our formal bilateral ties was marked by the Official Visit to South Korea, and other Asian countries, in July/August 1985 by the Honourable George Chambers, then Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, with a delegation of public and private sector representatives.
Since then, Trinidad and Tobago has collaborated with Korea in fields such as education, information and communications technology, culture and sport. Over the years, the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has channelled bilateral assistance through grants, concessional loans and technical assistance. Technical cooperation initiatives open to nationals of our country this year included the Korean Language and Culture Course for Diplomats and the Vision Sharing Programme for National Development.
Many of our youths have also been shaped by the discipline of Taekwondo. I understand that a couple months ago, a visiting team of Taekwondo experts, brought to our shores by the Korean Embassy, thrilled national audiences with an exhilarating presentation of this traditional Korean martial art form, in which Trinbagonians as young as six (6) years old proudly demonstrated their skills. I want to take this opportunity to wish all the participants in the Trinidad and Tobago Taekwondo Open taking place from October 9 – 11, all success in this weekend’s competition as they keep in view the 2016 Olympic Games. The broadcast of a Korean drama on local television, with an avid viewership, as well as cultural films, artistic performances and healthy commercial ties are other manifestations of three decades of fruitful bilateral relations.
While Trinidad and Tobago has long had an Honorary Consul based in Seoul, we are confident that the accreditation this year of our Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, who is based in Beijing, will bolster existing bilateral linkages.
Ladies and gentlemen, engagement with Korea also takes place within the regional framework. Later this month, Korea will host the 5th High-Level Forum on Korea-Caribbean Partnership, focusing on renewable energy. The four previous meetings have had meaningful outcomes in numerous fields of endeavour, ranging from e-government to tourism and I am certain that the 5th iteration of the Forum will be equally productive.
Within the multilateral context, both nations have placed considerable emphasis on global issues such as climate change and matters related to peace and security. Trinidad and Tobago has been pleased to lend support to Korea in that country’s aspirations to serve on the International Law Commission, the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). We look forward to Korea playing a key role as an advocate of developing countries within the influential Group of 20 (G-20).
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On the occasion of a National Day, a country is presented with the opportunity to reflect upon the past, recognize the present and work toward a more prosperous future. I am confident that Korea, a nation known for its resilience and determination, will seize that opportunity. At all levels of engagement, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to furthering our relationship, building on the achievements of the last three decades.
May I invite you to join me in a toast on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Government and People of the Republic of Korea in celebration of the National Foundation Day, and to our two republics, as we mark thirty years of diplomatic relations.
Geonbae!
Cheers!
