Presidential Remarks
“I really appreciate China for playing a constructive role in solving the recent tension on the Korean peninsula while closely cooperating with South Korea,” said President Park Geun-hye on Sept. 2. “Under the circumstances where tension continues on the Korean peninsula, I hope to exchange opinions about political situations on the Korean peninsula with candor,” said Park in her opening remarks during her sixth summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in China. “In particular, North Korea’s recent provocation in the DMZ showed touch-and-go security situations on the Korean peninsula, and how urgently needed peace on the peninsula is.”
“It also showed how vital strategic cooperation between South Korea and China and the unification of the Korean peninsula is to achieving peace in the region, I think,” President Park emphasized.
“I have had a summit meeting with President Xi several times,” President Park continued. “Today’s summit meeting is more meaningful in that it is held in a historic year that marks the 70th anniversary of World War II, Korea’s liberation from Japan, and the division of Korea.”
“Korea and China were friends who went through difficult times together in the previous century. This historical fact lays a strong foundation for the friendship between the two countries,” she said. “I hope that Korea and China will cooperate with each other in taking on challenges together.”
“I am glad to take part in China’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of its victory,” President Park added. “I really congratulate China on the fact that in July, the IOC selected Beijing as the venue for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. I also deliver words of strong condolences to China for losing many lives due to a devastating explosion at an international logistics center in Tianjin.”
The summit meeting was originally scheduled for 20 minutes but ran over to 34 minutes in total. The two leaders also had a special luncheon right after the meeting.