South Korean President Visits the UK: A Key Step

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's visit to the UK marks a new turning point in bilateral relations in the coming time.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomes South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the airport in London, November 21. (Source: South Korean Presidential Office)

This assessment is well-founded, if we look at the results of the four-day visit to the European country (November 20-23) of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee.

Special ceremony

First of all, the visit demonstrates the respect between the leaders of the two countries for each other. This is the first visit by a South Korean leader to the UK in the past decade, taking place on the occasion of the two countries celebrating 140 years of diplomatic relations (1883-2023).

Speaking before arriving in London, President Yoon affirmed that this trip is a “springboard” to deepen bilateral economic cooperation. His office emphasized that the visit shows that “London considers Seoul a key partner in global cooperation in general and the Indo-Pacific in particular.”

In contrast, President Yoon Suk Yeol was the first leader to be received by King Charles III since his coronation in May. London welcomed the South Korean leader with special ceremonies.

On the morning of November 21, King Charles III and Queen Camilla personally hosted the welcoming ceremony, with the participation of Prince William and Princess Catherine, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and new Foreign Secretary David Cameron. The guest from the land of kimchi sat in the royal carriage with the host country's King to Buckingham Palace. Mr. Yoon attended the reception hosted by the Royal Family. Notably, in his speech, King Charles III highly appreciated the influence of Korean popular culture, especially through K-pop groups and singers such as BlackPink or PSY.

On the same day, President Yoon Suk Yeol delivered a speech to the British Parliament on bilateral cooperation, from the past to the present and the future. The leader made a strong impression when he quoted the famous play Romeo and Juliet by the great writer Shakespeare to talk about bilateral relations: “This friendship is a happy testament, when we turn challenges into pure opportunities.”

Get to the point

In the context of the world situation witnessing many complex and unpredictable changes, the connection between Korea and the UK is becoming stronger than ever.

This was clearly demonstrated in the “Downing Street Agreement” signed between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chancellor Rishi Sunak on November 22, elevating the relationship from a deep and innovative partnership to a global strategic partnership. South Korean presidential spokesperson Kim Eun Hye stated: “The Digital Services Act (DSA) will be the highest level of cooperation between the two countries. We will continue to explore new horizons in this partnership.”

The key focus of this landmark document is economic, technological and energy cooperation. The two countries have initiated negotiations to review and upgrade the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). London’s deeper engagement in economic frameworks in the Asia-Pacific, evident through the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), is an opportunity for the country to expand its cooperation with the Seoul government in the coming time.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee were warmly welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace on November 21. (Source: AP)

The “give and take” relationship was demonstrated at the Korea-UK Economic Forum on November 22, with the participation of leaders and business representatives from both countries. On the Korean side, it was Chairman Lee Jae Yong of Samsung Electronics, along with leaders of Hyundai Motors, LG Electronics, Lotte and Hanwha. Representatives of major businesses from the host country, including ARM, Rolls-Royce, Standard Chartered, Ocado and Rio Tinto, were also present. Hanwha Aerospace, Hyosung Heavy Industries and Kyung Dong Navien of Korea signed major contracts with British businesses.

The leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. The two sides signed nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on related projects. The two sides' Trade Ministers further discussed comprehensive cooperation in the construction of new nuclear power plants, from planning, construction, operation to decommissioning when necessary.

This is a particularly important area for London. The UK was the first country in the world to commercialise nuclear power in 1956. London is currently pushing eight nuclear power plant projects, aiming to meet 25% of its electricity needs by 2050. In this context, Seoul has become increasingly important, with state-owned Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) a notable candidate for the UK project. In addition, the two countries have pledged to strengthen defence and security cooperation; and cooperation on semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology.

On regional and international issues, London and Seoul will outline their stance on the Korean Peninsula, including joint military exercises and maritime patrols based on UN Security Council resolutions. South Korea and the UK will work closely together to address global issues such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the visit to the UK by the President of the Republic of Korea in general and the DSA in particular is a key "springboard" for bilateral relations to "take off", continuing to explore new horizons of cooperation, for the benefit of both countries.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tong-thong-han-quoc-tham-anh-ban-dap-then-chot-251387.html