Ambassador’s Welcoming Remarks For the National Foundation Day Reception
1 October 2014, at the Residence
Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,
I wish to welcome and thank you all for coming to join us for the National Holiday Reception of the Republic of Korea. This annual event celebrates the anniversary of national foundation, called
"Gaecheonjeol," which literally means "Opening of the Heaven." We, the Koreans, believe that a son of the Heavenly God founded the First Korean Kingdom in 2333 BC. This year, therefore, marks its 4347th anniversary.
For almost 5 millennia, this founding story has given sense to the Korean people's national identity and collective self-esteem, much like the Kalevala has done for the Finnish people. It is believed that the First Korean Kingdom, called “Gojoseon”, was founded by King Dangun Wanggeom, and that he was born of a god and a bear who had been transformed into a woman.
One can see here many similarities with the Finnish mythology. If the founding father of Ancient Korea was half god, half human, so the main character of Kalevala, Väinämöinen, can also be seen as a human being with some god-like qualities. He has unique wisdom and special creative and magical abilities.
Both of these stories give an explanation of how the world came about. They also place the Korean and Finnish peoples on the map of history with a unique sense of identity.
(Similarities between Korea and Finland)
Also contemporary Korea and Finland have many things in common.
We share the values of democracy, free market and human rights.
Both countries are among the top economic performers in the world.
We have achieved good competitivity rankings and solid credit ratings.
Korea and Finland are FTA partners, which greatly facilitates our trade.
Moreover, both Koreans and Finns believe in progress, high quality standards, hard work and perseverance, as is exemplified by the can-do spirit of Korea and sisu in Finnish.
(Shared geopolitical challenges)
Korea and Finland also share similar kinds of geopolitical challenges.
Finland is currently affected by the crisis in Ukraine and all of its repercussions. Reshaping dynamics have put Finland to the test in balancing its bilateral and multilateral relations in the region.
Similarly, Korea’s diplomacy is constantly seeking to promote peace and security in North-East Asia, working together with big powers in the region. Korea’s challenge is to build trust and cooperation even in the face of North Korea’s provocations which are often harmful for the stability of the region and beyond. Incidentally, this is another connection between Finland and Korea: the famous Helsinki Process which contributed to the reconciliation between East and West during the Cold War period, has been one source of inspiration behind the Trustpolitik that the Korean Government is currently pursuing. The Trustpolitik aims at expanding trust, which will promote cooperative and peaceful relations both on the Korean Peninsula and in North-East Asia region as well.
(Conclusion)
Korea and Finland are now living through difficult times in the global economy and geopolitics. The challenges are tough. Government’s room for maneuver is narrowing down.
We need to respond positively and boost the economy by finding new areas of trade and investment. Important synergies and new opportunities need to be sought, especially in the fields of high technology and innovation. People to people ties will be also enhanced in many fields, such as culture and education.
I am confident that our two countries, Korea and Finland, bound by over 40 years of historic ties and the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement, will continue to support each other as key partners for common prosperity. I thank you./End/