By Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik, VCs Jang Chang-yong and Cho Kyung-hee, Reporter Jeong Da-jeong
Ambassador Paul Duclos of Peru in Seoul said, “This 60th anniversary of establishnment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, or ‘Hwangap,’ is without a doubt an outstanding and festive occasion that allows us to look forward to a new era, even richer in deep cooperation and friendly alliances to come.”
Ammbassador Duclos made the remarks in his speech to the Korean and international dignitaries attending the reception at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul on the auspicious occasion.
Then he said, “These are very joyful days of commemoration, but, at the same time, of reflection upon the milestones achieved these last few years, about the challenges that we are still facing as a nation with diligence and dedication, with the will and spirit to improve the quality of life of our people.” (See further details of the speech toward the end of this report.)
The reception was attended by many important guests from all walks of life in Korea and the international community in Seoul, including the mass communications media, e.g., Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media (publisher of 3 English and 2 Korean-language media since 1985) with his reportoiral team to cover the auspicious occasion.
The ambassador’s welcome address was well-responded to by the Korean Government representative, Deputy Vice Minister of National Defense Sung il, and Chairman of SCL Healthcare Group, Dr.Lee Kyung-ryul.
Dr. Lee said, “Today, we gather here to commemorate the 202nd anniversary of Peru`s Independence Day and we also celebrate the remarkable 60 years of well-aged diplomatic relations between Peru and Korea.” (See further details of the speech at the end of this report.)
Accordining to Wikipedia, bilateral relations are the current and historical relations between Korea and Peru. Both countries are members of the United Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and have resident embassies in each other's capital cities.
Korea and Peru established relations on April 1, 1963. The Korean ambassador to Brazil was initially accredited to Peru, until an embassy in Lima was opened on August 1, 1971.
High-level visit from Korea to Peru:
President Park Geun-hye (2015)
Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn (2016)
High-level visit from Peru to Korea:
President Alberto Fujimori (1993)
President Alan García (2010)
President Ollanta Humala (2011)
President Martín Vizcarra (2016)
Trade: Korea and Peru signed a free trade agreement in 2011 that entered into force two years later on March 1, as well as a strategic alliance in 2012. The signing of the FTA led to a 7.1% increase in bilateral trade between both states. Korea is one of the top 10 supplier markets in Peru.
Peru is one of many countries where Korean culture has experienced a surge of popularity, and thus at least twenty Korean restaurants have opened in Lima as a result, becoming popular among locals.
Speech of Ambassador Duclos:
Your excellency Deputy Vice Minister of National Defense Sung il.
Distinguish colleagues, ambassadors and diplomatic corp members
Esteemed connationals,
Friends of Peru,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the 202nd° Anniversary of the Peruvian Independence, in the context of the Bicentenary of our Independence, that our country is commemorating until 2024.
These are very joyful days of commemoration, but, at the same time, of reflection upon the milestones achieved these last few years, about the challenges that we are still facing as a nation with diligence and dedication, with the will and spirit to improve the quality of life of our people.
This special occasion commemorates, at the same time, the 60 years of friendly relationships and mutual cooperation between the Republics of Peru and Korea, based on mutual values, complementary economic links and a positive agenda. This 60th anniversary or “Hwangap” is without a doubt an outstanding and festive occasion that allows us to look forward to a new era, even richer in deep cooperation and friendly alliances to come.
In said period to, our FTA of 2011 and the establishment of a Strategic Partnership since 2012, there has been new formal additions of political coordination, on one side, and economic, scientific and technological affairs, on the other, that have allowed the recent visit to Korea of high-ranking Peruvian officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Environment, and Development and Social Inclusion.
This increasing alliance has also found new fields of common partnership in sectors like ITC, defense and security, environmental protection, health services and, particularly in defense and security.
Because of that, we specially salute the message transmitted by Deputy Viceminister Sung iL, on behalf of the Minister of National Defense, Lee Jong-sup, which testifies the excellence association and mutual cooperation developed in the last years through to annual meetings between our Armed Forces and industrial co-production that includes, among others, multi-purpose ships, navy patrols and training airplanes, in addition the continuous developments of formation and training programs in all military levels.
Likewise, in this year of commemoration we find ourselves developing a busy calendar of political, economic, gastronomic and cultural activities. I wish to specially highlight the arrival of the Peruvian Navy Flagship Union “BAP Unión”, in the city of Busan, from the 10th to the 14th of September, when it will open its doors to all Korean population and residents in the country, which will be able to enjoy our culture through the different activities planned.
Ladies and Gentleman,
When assuming the Embassy of Peru in Korea a few months back, recently it was my greatest honor to present my credential to the President of the Republic, Mr. Yoon Suk-yeol, expressing the firm compromise to continue working toward a stronger bilateral relationship and our exchanges in all levels. Those who have surpassed the distance, the cultural differences and the language barriers, and have constituted a genuine alliance and friendship that is destined to grow and become stronger in the future.
Now, I kindly invite you to enjoy the cultural program and the sample of peruvian cuisine prepared in this opportunity. I wish to thank specially those companies and institutions that have collaborated with this celebration: Dohwa Engineering, Hyundai Engineering and Construction, Korea Airports Corporation (KAC), Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), SCl Health Care Group, SK Innovation, STX Corporation and the 172G. Gallery.
Now, I will leave you with a short video, that presents Peru, through the eyes of four young Korean “influencers” that recently visited the country. Two of them are now with us, sharing this celebration: Kim Ik-Kyun and Lee Seun-ah. This is, at the same time, a sincere invitation to visit Peru and a reminder of our capacity to understand and surprise each other.
Thank you very much,
Good evening Ladies and Gentleman,
I am Dr.Lee,kyung-ryul, the Chairman of SCL Healthcare Group and the President of the Yonsei University Alumni Association with 400,000 esteemed members globally.
Today, We gather here to commemorate the 202nd anniversary of Peru`s Independence Day. We also celebrate the remarkable 60-years well-aged diplomatic relationship between Peru and Korea. It is a great honor for me to propose a toast on this significant occasion.
We toast not only to Peru`s remarkable progress and achievments but also to the deep-rooted friendship between Peru and Korea.
Over the past 60 years, these two nations have shared a journey of trust, cooperation, and the mutual respect. Furthemore, Let us raise to the enduring friendship between Peru and Korea and wish for the properity and peace of both nations. When I say “ Long live Peru “ I kindly ask all of youto respond loudly
“VIVA PERU and KOREA
Gamsahamnida
Speech of Chairman of SCL Helathcare Group: