Jeong Cheongrae Meets British Ambassador to Korea: "Hopes for Successful Conclusion of FTA Improvement Talks"

Jeong Cheongrae Meets Colin Crooks
"Strengthening Ties Between the Two Countries"

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks and stated, "I hope the ongoing negotiations to improve the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be successfully concluded, further strengthening the relationship between our two countries."

Yonhap News Agency

On October 1 at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Leader Jeong said during his meeting with Ambassador Crooks, "Since the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration, the relationship between our two countries has become even closer." He continued, "In June, President Lee Jaemyung met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G7 Summit to discuss revising the FTA, expanding defense cooperation, and other ways to broaden our partnership. In July, a presidential special envoy delegation led by Assemblywoman Choo Mi-ae visited the United Kingdom and met with key government and parliamentary officials," he explained.

Leader Jeong added, "Just as the Beatles from the United Kingdom are loved all over the world, Korea's K-culture is also capturing the hearts of people in the UK and around the globe. I hope that our two countries will continue to broaden the horizons of cooperation, not only in cultural exchanges but also in new areas such as digital supply chains."

He went on to say, "As you aptly put it, 'The foundation of diplomacy lies in seeking mutual benefit and cooperation based on an understanding of patriotism.' I was deeply moved when I heard this, and I believe we must open a new era of even stronger cooperation based on mutual trust."

In response, Ambassador Crooks said, "As you mentioned, our two countries are currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement. Since both countries value economic growth, it is important for businesses to engage in exchanges to promote trade and investment." He added, "Especially in the field of technology, both countries are powerhouses in artificial intelligence (AI), and in areas such as quantum technology, we can help each other through collaboration."

Ambassador Crooks also stated, "Both countries believe in the power of culture. The United Kingdom is home to musicians like Adele and Elton John, as well as literary figures, while Korea has BTS, Blackpink, and Yun Dongju. I believe that through culture, soft power has become superpower."

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