President Moon: "Australia is a true friend who helped Korea in its most difficult times"

Attended State Banquet Hosted by Australian Governor-General... "Grateful for Warm Welcome to Korean War Veterans Visiting Korea"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] During his state visit to Australia, President Moon Jae-in stated on the 13th (local time) at a state luncheon hosted by Governor-General David Hurley that "Australia is a true friend who helped Korea when it was most difficult," according to Blue House spokesperson Park Kyung-mi.

Governor-General Hurley serves as the Queen's representative and acts as Australia's head of state. At the luncheon, President Moon expressed gratitude while recounting the ties between Korea and Australia. In particular, President Moon explained that Australian missionaries helped Korea's education, medical care, and independence movement, and that there was a noble dedication by Australian troops during the Korean War.

President Moon said, "Australian missionaries who came to Korea in the late 19th century brought modern civilization such as modern education and medical care, and willingly dedicated themselves for the freedom and peace of the Korean people."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon added, "Missionary Menzies established Ilsin Girls' School in Busan, directly participated in the Korean independence movement alongside students, and Pastor Mackenzie cared for Hansen's disease patients in Busan for nearly 30 years, earning the affectionate nickname ‘Friend of the Lepers, Mackenzie’."

President Moon said, "When the Korean War broke out, Australia was the second country after the United States to decide to participate, and thanks to the noble dedication of 17,000 Australian veterans, Korea was able to protect freedom and democracy," adding, "(The two countries) share universal values such as democracy, human rights, and peace, and will expand new horizons of cooperation in various fields such as clean energy, space, and defense industries."

Governor-General Hurley evaluated, "Despite the shadow of the pandemic, both countries overcame many obstacles together to make this state visit possible, demonstrating the strong will of both nations to realize the visit."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Governor-General Hurley said, "The number of galbi restaurants is rapidly increasing in Australia, and like people around the world, Australians are enthusiastic about Korea’s ‘Parasite’ and ‘Squid Game,’" adding, "I hope to continue closer cooperation in the future."

Meanwhile, spokesperson Park said, "During a preliminary conversation, Governor-General Hurley mentioned that during his visit to Korea in 2013, he visited the DMZ and Gapyeong, and he still cannot forget the warm hospitality of the Korean people. He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome always given when Korean War veterans visit Korea."

Spokesperson Park added, "President Moon and Governor-General Hurley agreed that in the hydrogen economy era, Australia will play the role of a supplier country, and Korea will play a role in utilization and transportation, so cooperation between the two countries can create synergy," and "President Moon conveyed his intention to invite Governor-General Hurley and his spouse to Korea."

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