President Megawati,
President Anibal Cavaco Silva,
Prime Minister Lee, Hong-koo,
Governor Won Heeryong and,
Distinguished Guests,

It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to welcome all of you to this beautiful island of Jeju, the island of peace and prosperity.


I would like to convey my special gratitude
to all those participants who have travelled a long way from abroad to share their vision for the future of Asia.

I also would like to convey sincere words of appreciation to Governor Won Heeryong and
the Jeju Peace Institute for putting everything together so efficiently and effectively.




The Jeju Forum, which marks its 12 anniversary this year, has evolved into a major international forum,
seeking and discussing sustainable peace and prosperity in the region.

What began with 350 participants from nine countries in 2001
has grown to draw
five thousand people
from about 80 countries this year.



The forum has also broadened its areas of interest from peace and prosperity of Asia,
to issues such as culture and environment.


Distinguished guests,

We are now faced with a number of daunting challenges in Asia which hinder the cooperation and development of the region.

On the security front,
North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats constitute a serious and imminent challenge
not only to the Korean Peninsula and the region,
but also to the peace and stability of the international community as a whole.

There are also challenges with their roots in history
as well as those related to changing security landscape.


Asia also faces emerging challenges on the economic front.

Voices against free trade and globalization are heard in Asia,
which make us concerned about the possible return of protectionism.

Furthermore, cross-border issues, such as climate change, energy security and international crime, pose a huge threat to our daily lives.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Asia will continue to face challenges. However,
a shared vision for the future and the will to translate the vision into reality
can bring about changes.

In this regard, I would like to draw your attention
to the four pillars of the foreign policy of our newly inaugurated President Moon Jae-in.



They are Peace, Responsibility, Cooperation, and Democracy, which I believe have no small implications for the region as well.


First and foremost, “Peaceful Asia.”

For a peaceful Asia,
the first vital step is
the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue.
We, of course, will respond firmly against North Korea’s provocations,
but at the same time,
efforts would not be spared to persuade North Korea
to change its attitude
and to come to the right side of history.

In this way, we can lay the foundation for the resolution of the North Korean nuclear problem, and eventually establish a structure of peace and cooperation in Northeast Asia.

This calls for the unwavering support and cooperation of all the countries in the region.

Second, “Responsible Asia.”

We should not allow short-sightedness to define our national interest.
We should not allow the specter of protectionism haunt the spirit of liberal trade order, which has been the backbone of Asia’s rise since the end of World War II.
Free-trade, free flow of information and freedom of navigation will strengthen the connectivity in Asia,
and reduce the social and economic gaps and differences, bringing an Asia of unity for all.

Third, “Cooperative Asia.”

Countries in the region should strengthen cooperation to cope with regional and global challenges such as
terrorism and extremism.
As we all know, in the era of inter-connectedness,
most issues cannot be solved by the efforts of a single country.
The complexity of these interwoven challenges calls for concerted efforts.


Lastly, “Democratic Asia.”

Democracy, in a nutshell, could be defined as a process of communication.
In this regard, the countries in the region should communicate with one another within the framework of international norms on the basis of mutual trust.

By working together peacefully and democratically,
Asia will eventually be able to progress towards building a harmonious community.

Distinguished Guests,

Korea is ready to play an active and leading role in sharing this kind of vision for Asia’s future.

However, Korea alone can do little. Together we can achieve much.

In this vein, the Jeju Forum offers a timely opportunity to pool our ideas and visions.

Only a dream dreamt together and acted upon together will bring about meaningful changes.

Once again, I congratulate the successful opening of the Jeju Forum

and let me conclude by encouraging all of you to allow yourself some time off your busy schedule to explore the beautiful nature of this island.

Thank you so much. /End/