Bilans d’évènement
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Park Jin discusses Korean foreign policy with FKCCI, KGCCI and ACF members
On July 12th, 2022, Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Park Jin joined the French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), the Korea-France Association (ACF), and the Korean German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI) for an exclusive luncheon, to discuss the new administration’s foreign policy and Korea’s relations with France, Germany, and Europe.
Organized at The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel, the event gathered more than 60 members of the French and German business community in Korea, among which numerous ambassadors, and kicked off with speeches from FKCCI Chairman Mr. David-Pierre Jalicon, Korea-France Association President Mr. Sohn Woo-Hyun, KGCCI Chairperson Ms. Park Hyun-Nam, German Ambassador to South Korea H.E. Michael Reiffenstuel, EU Ambassador to South Korea H.E. María Castillo Fernandez, and First Counsellor at the French Embassy to South Korea Mr. Julien Cats.
Mr. David-Pierre Jalicon commented: “We are grateful and delighted to welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Park Jin. France and Korea share many values, among which a love for democracy. As we are all looking for President Yoon’s new global vision for Korea, you can be sure of the support of our organization”.
Mr. Woo Hyun Sohn underlined: “This event, a truly European one, is such a rare and precious opportunity. It is a real pleasure to share it with Minister Park, who always stressed the importance of universal values also supported by France and the EU”.
Ms. Hyun Nam Park added: “We believe Dr. Park’s speech regarding the direction of the Korean government’s foreign policy will be of great help for German companies, especially during these uncertain times when a reliable and predictable business environment supported by governments and polices is ever so important”.
Recently appointed Minister in Yoon Sul-yeol’s government, Dr. Park Jin then took the floor to shed light on the President’s ambitions for the next five years in terms of foreign policy. He underlined the administration’s will to strengthen Korea’s ties with the US but also Europe, as shown recently by the country’s first participation to a NATO summit. “President Yoon’s administration has vowed for Korea to promote freedom, peace, and prosperity in the APAC region, and to work hand in hand with allies and friends. As the EU is one of our most important foreign partners, we wish to strengthen further our strategic and comprehensive partnership based on common values”. He also mentioned Korea’s future relations with the rest of the world, at a time when countries are faced with large-scale challenges: “Solidarity among like-minded countries has become more important than ever. Special attention will be given by Korea and Europe to questions of public health, climate, and digital economy”.
Following Dr. Park’s keynote speech, French journal Le Figaro’s Asia correspondent Mr. Sébastien Falletti moderated a Q&A session, to provide the audience with a chance to ask more detailed questions to the Minister. Finally, the event concluded with the luncheon, during which FKCCI, KGCCI and ACF’s guests were given the opportunity to network.
