1. Leader of the Minjoo Party of Korea Choo Mi-ae attended the European Ceremony of Honour for former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, held in the European Parliament (Strasbourg, France) on July 1, as the head of the ROK government’s condolence delegation, and expressed condolences on behalf of the government and people of the ROK.

o The ROK delegation consisted of Minjoo Party leader Choo Mi-ae, member of the Minjoo Party of Korea’s Supreme Council Shim Ki-joon, lawmaker Shin Chang-hyun and spokesperson Kim Hyun of the party, and Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union Kim Hyoung-zhin.

2. The European Ceremony of Honour was held for the first time in history to celebrate the achievements of former Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who significantly contributed to advancing European integration. The Ceremony, attended by key politicians of Germany and Europe as well as incumbent and former leaders of countries around the world, took place in a solemn atmosphere for two hours from 11 a.m. July 1 in the following order. Prior to the Ceremony, Minjoo Party leader Choo Mi-ae, honored the late Chancellor by signing the condolence book, in which she wrote that former Chancellor Kohl, the father of German unification and the designer of European integration, will be an eternal guide for the peaceful unification on the Korean Peninsula and reconciliation in Northeast Asia.

o Memorial speeches by President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Council Donald Tusk, and President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani

o Screening of a video titled “Helmut Kohl, a great European”

o Remarks by former US President Bill Clinton, former Prime Minister of Spain Felipe Gonzalez, and Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev

o Closing speeches by President of France Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel

3. Minjoo Party leader Choo Mi-ae exchanged greetings with European Council President Tusk, European Commission President Juncker and European Parliament President Tajani, and extended sincere condolences and sympathies on behalf of President Moon Jae-in. She also said in a talk with German President Steinmeier and Chancellor Merkel that President Moon’s visit to Germany on July 5-6 and the first ROK-Germany summit since the inauguration of the new government in the ROK hold big significance. President Steinmeier said that he has high expectations of the upcoming summit with President Moon, and asked her to give his best regards to President Moon.

o At a reception held for honored guests after the funeral, Minjoo Party leader Choo also talked with delegates from each country, including President of France Macron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom May, Prime Minister of Belgium Michel, former US President Clinton, and President of Lithuania Grybauskaitė, and honored former Chancellor Kohl’s contributions to German unification and European integration.

4. Former Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who announced the “ten-point plan for German unity” during his term as the Chancellor of West Germany (1982-1998), has been revered as the “father of German unification” and the “first Chancellor of a unified Germany.” He has also been considered a great leader who changed the course of German and European history, including by actively pursuing the introduction of the euro and the integration of Europe.

o Former Chancellor Helmut Kohl made a state visit to the ROK in March 1993. During the visit, he shared his valuable experience of German unification, unity and reconciliation, and expressed active support for the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula.

5. Before dispatching the condolence delegation, President Moon Jae-in extended his condolences on the passing of former Chancellor Helmut Kohl by sending a telegram of condolence to German President Steinmeier. President Moon also told Minjoo Party leader Choo to return home safely after attending the Ceremony at the airport before leaving for the US on June 28.


* unofficial translation