REMARKS 
BY H.E. GONG RO-MYUNG 
AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY 
OF THE KOREA-EC FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT 
FOR TRADE AND COOPERATION

October 28, 1996  Luxemburg

Mr. President, Excellencies,and Sir Leon Brittan,

It is a great privilege for me to sign on behalf of the Korean government the Korea/EC Framework Agreement 
for Trade and Cooperation and the Joint Political Declaration which, I am sure, mark a new milestone in the 
history of Korea-EU relations. 


I wish to extend my deep appreciation to all the European Union and Korean staff members whose two and 
a half years of work have been instrumental in bringing the Agreement and the Declaration to fruition today. 


A century has elapsed since Korea and Europe first opened relations. Since then, our relationship has 
expanded remarkably and deepened in every way. Given the increasing importance of the bilateral 
relationship between the European Union and Korea in recent years, the conclusion of the Framework 
Agreement comes at a most opportune time in our relations. 


The European Union has successfully launched its single market and is on the read to further integration. It 
is now a key actor on the international stage and plays a crucial role in the shaping of the new world political 
and economic order. 


As for Korea, it has been forcefully promoting its "globalization drive", which aims at changing its policies, 
institutions, and the mindset of its people to make them more compatible with today's rapidly changing 
world. As one of the emerging nations in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region, Korea is willing to assume the 
roles and responsibilities commensurate with its elevated standing in the international community. 


I am sure that the Framework Agreement and the Joint Political Declaration will reinforce these endeavors 
and serve as powerful catalysts in promoting our bilateral relationship into and on through the 21st century. 


The Framework Agreement and the Joint Political Declaration lay the basis for a comprehensive and 
cooperative partnership. They encompass a vision of a maturer Korea-EU relationship, not only in the 
political and economic realms, but also in other various areas such as science and technology, the 
environment, and culture. 


Earlier this year, the first Asia-Europe Meeting was held in Bangkok. It heralded the beginning of a new era 
between the two continents in which a future-oriented and mutually beneficial relationship can be built. The 
ASEM process will provide additional momentum for the promotion and facilitation of the Korea-EU relations.

Also, Korea's accession to the OECD is another boost toward the further intensification of our ties. Like the
other members of the OECD, Korea is equally committed to political pluralism, the principle of market
economy, and respect for human rights. Through policy dialogue and the exchange of experiences and
expertise within the OECD, Korea and the European Union will work together to achieve the common goals
of respective economic growth and world prosperity. 


Korea and the member states of the EU have been bound by traditional links of friendship. Such close 
friendship is demonstrated in the European Union's firm and steady support for our policy towards North 
Korea and on the Korean peninsula in general. 


We deeply appreciate your decision to participate in KEDO and I am sure that your recent message to North 
Korea condemning the submarine incursion and urging it to abide by the Armistice Agreement will contribute 
to establishing lasting peace on the Korean peninsula. The Joint Political Declaration, which stipulates the
establishment of regular dialogue channels, will significantly expand our political ties. 


In the economic field, the Framework Agreement is expected to bolster trade and investment between us, 
which are already expanding. To cite a few figures, bilateral trade reached 34.4 billion US dollars last year 
and the accumulated mutual investments amounted to 4.7 billion US dollars. 


Close cooperation in science and technology, the environment, and high-tech industries such as space 
engineering and energy will also contribute to the further strengthening of our ties.

To conclude, I would like to reiterate my earnest hope that we will do our utmost to develop the fresh 
momentum of this Agreement into fruitful and tangible results, thereby opening a new chapter in Korea-EU
relations as we drive forth into the 21st century. 

Thank you.