2010.4.29(목) 19:00
롯데호텔 사파이어볼룸

Honorable Dr. Lee Hong Koo (이홍구),

Members of the Asia Society Korea Center,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am truly honored to join you in celebrating the second anniversary of the Asia Society Korea Center.

It is a great pleasure to be here this evening on this meaningful occasion.

Despite its relatively recent establishment in April 2008, the Asia Society Korea Center has rapidly evolved into a valuable venue for active dialogue bringing participants together through various high-profile events and programs, such as its regular lectures and forums. 

A recent activity which deserves particular attention is Korea Center's multicultural film project.

This project played an extraordinarily valuable part in deepening our understanding of issues related to the families of mixed ethnicity in Korea.

Simultaneously, it proved to be an effective instrument in promoting our understanding of people's cultural sensibilities. 

of the Korea Center is the establishment of a scholarship for the children from the families of mixed ethnicity, which was achieved in cooperation with the Seoul Global Center and the UNHCR. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

In the 21st century we see an expansion of the scope of diplomacy as it extends from the governmental to the non-governmental sphere.

The role of the state, of course, remains imperative.

However, the private sector has an equally crucial role to play in diplomacy, complementing governmental activities.

In this regard, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the board, members and staff of the Korea Center.

They have worked tirelessly to build closer Korea-US relations and to foster exchanges and mutual understanding between Korea and the Asia-Pacific region.

Their valuable efforts have won the Center's widespread recognition as a truly excellent forum for people-to-people diplomacy.

Thanks to these unsparing efforts, leaders from Korea and countries around the world have taken part in the events organized by the Korea Center.

These events have contributed greatly to the deepening of mutual understanding and cooperation in the fields of policy, business, journalism, art and culture.

I do indeed appreciate and place great value on the work of the Korea Center.

I am also convinced that we can achieve the best possible synergistic effect in realizing our vision of "Global Korea" by ensuring the collaboration between the citizens and the government.  

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I believe that tonight there will be a preview of the movie, "Barefoot Dream," a true story of a Korean soccer coach who led an East Timorese youth soccer team to victory in an international championship.

I understand that the members of this movie’s production team are also here this evening.

I have heard that most of the filming took place in East Timor, and during the shooting, the conditions on the ground were such that our Foreign Ministry officials stationed there volunteered to assist them. 

As a matter of fact, one of the main characters in the film is an embassy official in East Timor.

Since the diplomat is shown as being very friendly and humble, this movie especially endears itself to us at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

I truly hope that this movie will become a box office hit when it premieres in movie theaters this coming June.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my sincere hope that tonight’s event will play an important role in further fostering the noble ideals of value-based leadership.

I believe that it offers a platform for those who share a like-minded approach in shaping and developing future global leaders in Korea, America and the Asia-Pacific region.

I take this opportunity to once again reaffirm that we in the government will indeed spare no effort to render full support for the achievement of the noble goals you are all pursuing.

Now, I would like to propose a toast to the Asia Society Korea Center and to the health and happiness of all of us here tonight.

Cheers!  /End/