외교부

Remarks by Amb. Cho Jung-pyo

at the opening ceremony of the 1st IFANS-Diplomatic Academy Conference

2006.7.5.

        I'm greatly honoured to visit Ukraine and the Diplomatic Academy for the first time as Chancellor of the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security of Korea.

        The Orange Revolution by the Ukrainian People last year in search of freedom and democracy made a deep impression on the Korean People.

        Korea and Ukraine have steadily developed cooperative relations in various areas since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1992.

        Among other things, the Ukrainian government has been fully supportive of the Korean government's efforts to peacefully resolve the North Korean nuclear issue which threatens peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the whole North East Asian region as well.

        Furthermore, both countries have also closely collaborated at the United Nations and other major international organizations.

        Bilateral trade volume between Korea and Ukraine surpassed 1 billion US dollars in 2004. In addition, both Governments agreed, at their Premier's meeting held last October, to do their utmost to expand the amount of bilateral trade to 3 billion dollars by 2010.

        Considering the economic capabilities and potential of both countries for more strengthened cooperation, I firmly believe that our two countries can continue to expand mutually beneficial conducive  cooperation in such diversified areas as science and technology, maritime transportation and military industries.

        I also believe that the putting into effect of the Ukrainian government's exchange of notes on visa-free admission of Koreans to Ukraine for less than 90 days and the visa-waiver agreement for  diplomats, bilateral people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation will increase significantly.

        As you well know, Rector Kulinichi is familiar with Asia, having spent part of his career in the Ukrainian Embassy in Seoul. His Excellency paved the way for cooperation between the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security(IFANS) and the Diplomatic Academy by signing the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation when he visited Korea.

        The main purpose of my visit to Ukraine this time is to learn more about the management skills of the Diplomatic Academy and exchange views on cooperation between our two institutes as well as on issues of mutual concern in the areas of diplomacy and security.

        One of my main interests is to know about the Diplomatic Academy's training and education courses for Ukrainian diplomats and those officials handling foreign affairs. I also want to know more about your research on major international issues and policy recommendations to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

        At today's meeting, we would like to introduce Korea's views on how to construct a platform for regional security cooperation in Northeast Asia, building upon the experience of the Six-party talks.

        Moreover, I believe that the introduction by the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine's experience of eliminating its nuclear arsenal including their transfer to Russia, will provide useful lessons to the participating states in the Six-party talks.

        Short as it may be, I believe today's meeting will contribute to the strengthening of exchanges and cooperation between IFANS and the Diplomatic Academy.

        Thank you.