SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN LUNCHEON TOAST, SALUTES REPUBLIC OF KOREA'S INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
Press Release
SG/SM/5941
SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN LUNCHEON TOAST, SALUTES REPUBLIC OF KOREA'S INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
19960329 Following is the text of a toast given by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali at a luncheon given in honour of the Secretary-General by the President of the Republic of Korea, Kim Young Sam, in Seoul on 29 March:The Republic of Korea is a dynamic country which has made its presence known around the world. Its economic successes and cultural achievements have won the admiration and respect, not only among countries of east Asia, but among all members of the family of nations.
The world has gone through a dramatic transformation. Problems which were once confined within State borders now command international attention. The world needs the active engagement of the Republic of Korea in solving global problems and in sharing global responsibilities. Your policy of "say- gay-wha", Mr. President, offers inspiration well beyond the Republic of Korea's borders. Globalization affects all of us, and we must work together. As you say the United Nations is the unique forum for this work.
Mr. President, you recently described the Republic of Korea as one of the "success stories" of the United Nations. From a war-torn land to a full- fledged democracy, the Republic of Korea's success has won the world's admiration. Mr. President, I salute you and the Republic's political leadership for this great accomplishment. Under your leadership, Mr. President, the Republic of Korea is ever more widely recognized as a country of creativity, integrity and responsibility. And at the same time, the Republic of Korea, as a successful State, is demonstrating its commitment to the international community in every major field -- political, social, economic and security concerns all feel the benefit of an active Korean presence.
On behalf of the United Nations, I would like to thank the Republic of Korea for its contribution to peace-keeping efforts in Somali, Angola, Georgia and along the border between India and Pakistan. I would also like to call attention to the little-known, but crucial humanitarian assistance doctors from the Republic of Korea have provided in Western Sahara. During my visit there last year, I had the privilege of seeing with my own eyes the impressive work they are doing. And in the former Yugoslavia, the work of Ambassador
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Byung-Suk Min as the head of the United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation in Croatia (UNCRO) was highly effective and greatly appreciated.
The Republic of Korea is sending its nationals to work in the United Nations as career officials. International civil servants from the Republic of Korea are making their presence felt. In the Security Council, the Republic of Korea is now a presence, too. And here in Asia, the Republic of Korea's influence grows ever greater. The next Europe-Asia Meeting in Asia, to be held in the year 2000, will be hosted by the Republic of Korea. This is a tribute to the Republic of Korea's high reputation and a tribute to your political leadership.
In all these ways, the Republic of Korea is making significant contributions to the international community. Some are highly visible and recognized, others are quiet and unpublicized -- but all are invaluable. All have placed the Republic of Korea in the network of international cooperation necessary today for global peace, security and prosperity. A reunified Korea will have an even grater impact on the world. It is my hope that one day the two Korean States will be represented in the United Nations as one.
As we enter into the twenty-first century, I ask that the Republic of Korea take even bolder steps in promoting global peace and security, sustainable development and democratization. As Secretary-General of the Organization which promotes such global cooperation, I am proud to be able to work hand-in-hand with the people and Government of the Republic of Korea. This country's role in all aspects of United Nations work will be to the benefit of the Republic of Korea, the Asia-Pacific region, the United Nations and the world community.
If I may try to put it in the Korean language, Mr. President, DAE-DO MOO-MOON -- that applies to the mission of the United Nations in the world, as well as to Korea itself.
I invite you to drink a toast to the Republic of Korea's growing role in world affairs. And to the partnership of the Republic of Korea and the United Nations.
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