Former UK Prime Minister May Meeting President Moon: "Korea, a Global Model in COVID-19 Response"

Moon welcomes first top-level foreign guest since COVID-19 crisis
Prime Minister May expects enhanced Korea-UK friendly cooperation relations

President Moon Jae-in is taking a commemorative photo on the afternoon of the 16th at the Blue House before meeting with former British Prime Minister Theresa May, who visited Korea to attend the World Knowledge Forum.

On the afternoon of the 16th, President Moon Jae-in welcomed former British Prime Minister Theresa May at the Blue House, marking the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that a head of state-level foreign guest was received. At the meeting, former Prime Minister May praised the response to COVID-19 and expressed her desire to continue the friendly and cooperative relationship between Korea and the United Kingdom.

President Moon said during the meeting, "The United Kingdom is a blood ally that deployed many troops to participate in the Korean War and is a key partner country sharing fundamental and universal values," adding, "I especially appreciate Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Johnson sending very meaningful video messages for the 70th anniversary of the Korean War."

President Moon continued, "The Korean people were once again able to confirm the strong friendship with the allied country, the United Kingdom, which protected the peace of the Republic of Korea," and said, "I ask for your continued interest and support so that our two countries can continue to develop future-oriented cooperation."

Former Prime Minister May opened by saying, "During my tenure as prime minister, I met President Moon several times, and I am pleased to meet again," and added, "Above all, I want to congratulate President Moon and the Korean people," saying, "Korea responded wisely to COVID-19 and has been a global model." She further added, "I hope to take this opportunity to hear about Korea’s experience and discuss how to respond going forward."

Former Prime Minister May mentioned the 70th anniversary of the Korean War and repeatedly urged the development of friendly relations between Korea and the UK. She said, "As the president mentioned, I believe the relationship between Korea and the UK is one of friendship and cooperation," adding, "I also look forward to further enhancing the relationship between Korea and the UK, especially in areas such as trade and science and technology cooperation."

She also said, "This year marks the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War," and added, "I am well aware that it is also a year to honor all those who sacrificed for Korea’s freedom." She continued, "The UK is very pleased to have contributed to that process," and said, "Many people describe the Korean War as the forgotten war, but I believe it is never a war to be forgotten, and we must remember all those who sacrificed during that war."

Former Prime Minister May emphasized cooperation between the two countries in the environmental field, saying, "Next year, the P4G Summit will be held in Korea, and the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties will be held in the UK." She said, "I believe our two countries can take the lead on climate change and provide momentum for the world to actively participate in climate action," and added, "I look forward to discussing this area further with President Moon."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.