Results of Korea-Denmark Summit on Sidelines of U.N. General Assembly
September 23, 2019
President Moon Jae-in and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen held a summit on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly at Hudson Yards in New York for 20 minutes from 8:04 p.m. today (local time).
In her opening remarks, Prime Minister Frederiksen pointed to the friendly relations between the two countries by saying that the new Danish Government would continue to step up cooperation with Korea going forward. She went on to express her appreciation to President Moon for joining a preparatory meeting for the P4G Summit, emphasizing the obvious necessity for working together on the topic of climate change. The Prime Minister added that close bilateral cooperation would be very good for not only the two countries but also the entire world. She said that she looked forward to seeing the two countries continuing their strong bilateral ties and friendship.
In his opening remarks, President Moon said, “It is all the more meaningful for me to meet Prime Minister Frederiksen this year as it marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Denmark. I wholeheartedly congratulate you on your inauguration in June as the youngest prime minister in the history of Denmark. I wish Denmark everlasting progress under your young and dynamic leadership as you connect with the people.
Recalling his visit to Denmark last year for the first P4G Summit, President Moon said, “Copenhagen was a city that proved the possibility of achieving dynamic growth while maintaining harmonious coexistence between nature and people, and it was also the optimal place for climate change responses and sustainable development.” The President continued, “I request Denmark's active cooperation to ensure that the second P4G Summit provides an opportunity to help sustain the spirit of an inclusive society in the global village.”
In reply, Prime Minister Frederiksen said that Denmark strongly supports Korea and the success of the second P4G Summit. Noting that many young people in Denmark have a lot of interest in Korea, the Prime Minister added that they enjoy K-pop and sometimes use difficult Korean words.
President Moon said, “I hope that Denmark and Korea will expand not only trade but also people-to-people exchanges. In the course of further promoting such exchanges, I look forward to the opening of a direct flight between our two countries. Denmark is leading the world in terms of green growth and welfare, and Koreans are also fond of Denmark. I am pleased to see Denmark and Korea working together on various occasions as green growth partners.”
President Moon said, “Denmark has world-class biotechnology companies based in Medicon Valley. Korea’s Osong Hi-Tech Composite Medical Complex is playing the same role. I ask you to take an interest in helping to expand cooperation between our two countries’ biotechnology companies, including entering each other’s market.”
“As the International Maritime Organization is recently toughening environmental standards on ship emissions,” President Moon noted, “close cooperation between the two countries on shipbuilding has become more important. There’s a need for stronger cooperation on joint technological development in regard to eco-friendly ships such as LNG-fueled vessels.” The President went on to say, “I agree with Denmark’s intention to expedite the development and introduction of ships free of carbon dioxide emissions and highly appreciate the endeavor. The Korean Government has decided to participate in the ‘decarbonisation alliance 2030 initiative.’”
Prime Minister Frederiksen expressed her gratitude to President Moon for mentioning plans for close bilateral cooperation, saying the development of ships free of carbon dioxide emissions is very important for Denmark. She added that close collaboration is significant in that regard.
President Moon asked for interest in and support for the peace process on the Korean Peninsula, and the Danish Prime Minister expressed her wish for its success.