By Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is on a state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of His Majesty King Charles III, and his wife, Kim Keon-hee, hosted a dinner and meeting with local compatriots on November 20. The meeting was attended by more than 200 compatriots who are actively involved in organizations across the UK.
 

"This year marks the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the United Kingdom, and our two countries have a deeply rooted history of cooperation and solidarity, including Britain's contribution of the second largest military force in the world during the Korean War, and its support for Korea's economic growth in building industrial and technological infrastructure," the President said in his encouraging remarks.

"Today, Korea and the United Kingdom have evolved into value partners in freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as an economic community linked by a free trade agreement (FTA)," the president said. 

"Through this visit, we will establish a new framework for bilateral security cooperation, launch negotiations to improve the Korea-UK FTA to upgrade the level of supply chain and trade cooperation, and expand the horizons of bilateral cooperation in AI, nuclear power, bio, space, semiconductors, and clean energy."

"Thanks to the hard work of our compatriots who have taken root in the UK, our relationship has become even stronger," the President said, "and I hope that the 40,000 overseas Koreans who have formed the largest and most active Korean community in Western Europe will continue to excel in their respective fields and serve as a strong bridge between Korea and the UK."

The President also pledged that the Overseas Korean Affairs Office, which was launched in June, will be a strong link between the home country and the Korean community, providing support to the Korean diaspora." 

"I commend the 23 Hangeul schools operating in the United Kingdom for their efforts to educate Korean children in Hangeul and historical culture, and the Overseas Korean Affairs Office will support the next generation of Koreans growing up in the United Kingdom to maintain their pride in Korea," the President said.

"The fact that President Yoon is the first head of state to visit the UK since the coronation of King Charles III is a testament to the national character and strength of the Republic of Korea," said Kim Jong-soon, CEO of JS Holdings Group, who delivered a welcome address on behalf of the Korean diaspora. 

"With the energy of the Republic of Korea as a global leader in various fields, we will actively support our compatriots living in the United Kingdom in developing friendship and cooperation between Korea and the UK," Kim said.