(Unofficial translation) Despite difficulties, our economy is moving in the right direction. My Administration has been making consistent efforts over the past two years – with the top priority in state affairs being job creation. This is because creating jobs constitutes the best means to improve the everyday lives o...

Sep 16, 2019

(Unofficial translation) Let me begin the 39th Cabinet Meeting. Today’s Cabinet Meeting is being held at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology to reflect our extraordinary determination and resolve to create a strong economy that cannot be shaken. It is the second Cabinet Meeting held outside of a government bu...

Sep 10, 2019

(Unofficial translation) The ASEAN member states are making a vigorous leap forward like carp in the Mekong River. As they are all young and dynamic, their future is bright. They will create a new global order in which countries develop while respecting each other through a culture of harmony and sharing. For Korea, co...

Sep 06, 2019

(Unofficial translation) President Bounnhang and distinguished guests, I am pleased to join President Bounnhang on a tour of part of the Mekong River Integrated Management Project, a symbol of the friendship between our two countries. The Mekong is the lifeblood of Indochina, and just as its name indicates, it is...

Sep 05, 2019

(Unofficial translation) Thank you for your warm hospitality. I am very pleased to meet President Bounnhang, who has devoted his life to the development of Laos. Marking the 25th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic ties next year, our two countries are currently working together more closely than at any ti...

Sep 05, 2019

(Unofficial translation) Rain falling in Yangon nourished ears of rice, cooled the midday heat and gave my delegation a moment to unwind. Just as rain falls evenly, the people of Myanmar respect the elderly, cooperate with each other and accumulate virtues by sharing. They seemed like our neighbors back home in Korea. ...

Sep 05, 2019

(Unofficial translation) Mingalaba (Hello)! I’d like to extend my heartfelt sympathy and consolation to the people of Myanmar who sustained huge losses from torrential rains in the State of Mon last month. I am wholeheartedly grateful to State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint as well as the pe...

Sep 03, 2019

(Unofficial translation) Mingalaba (Hello)! I am wholeheartedly grateful to State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Myanmar for warmly welcoming my delegation and me. I am pleased to come to Myanmar, the country of one thousand Buddha statues and one thousand pagodas. The people’s smiles are gentle, and...

Sep 03, 2019

(Unofficial Translation) Bangkok is vibrant. Many boats navigate the Chao Phraya River in both directions, and the tranquility of temples and the excitement of markets blend harmoniously. I could sense the charm of Thailand, a tourism powerhouse, in many parts of the country. Thailand fought alongside us during the ...

Sep 03, 2019

(Unofficial Translation) Sawadee krap (Hello)! I am truly grateful to Prime Minister Prayut and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand for inviting me to make this first visit by a foreign head of state since the launch of your new Administration and for warmly welcoming my delegation and me. Following my inaugura...

Sep 02, 2019