Every year on National Day, the receptions and night events for Korean veterans had been held in major Australia capital cities, but this year was extraordinary due to COVID-19.
In the 2020 National foundation day video address, the Korean Consul-Genral Mr Hong Sang-woo said “I regret that we are unable to host this year’s National Day in person, as in previous years” adding “in order to do our part in combating COVID-19, we have adapted this year’s celebration’s format to a video address”
The pandemic has had a drastic and, sadly, tragic impact on the lives of people around the world.
However, Consul-Genral Mr Hong Sang-woo said that both Australia and Korea have consolidated and expanded the scope of cooperation between our two countries in order to fight COVID pandemic.
“Since the outbreak, both Korea and Australia have sought and shared innovative ways of dealing with this virus with each other to the benefit of both our countries and people” He said.
Mr Hong stressed that the ground for this mutual trust and admiration is found in the history that Korea and Australia share.
70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War
Consul-Genral Mr Hong Sang-woo added “the commitment to the ideals of peace and freedom shown by Australian forces during the Korean War has been the basis for not just Korea’s development, but the friendship between our people and nations.”
“The Republic of Korea, alongside the Korean people, will forever remember those who defended our nation.” He said.
He went on to point out that despite the geographical distance between Australia and Korea and obstacles of a global pandemic, Australia and Korean remain enmeshed as indispensable trading partners and share political and strategic interests in promoting peace and prosperity in the region.
Korea is Australia’s 4th largest trading partner and plays an important role in the Australian economy.
This year Samsung C&T completed the construction of the new Sydney M5 WestConnex tunnel and new trains manufactured by Hyundai Rotem are expected to run on the Sydney Intercity line by the end of this year. Hyundai motors has also committed to utilise innovative ‘green hydrogen’, produced right here in Australia.
However, Consul General Hong stressed that still there are numerous opportunities for trade and investment in many untapped areas for both our economies.
“One of the most important aspects of our two countries’ deep bilateral ties is the connections between people” He said “Culture acts as a bridge, connecting people of different backgrounds together and we are working hard to ensure that cultural exchange between our two countries remains vibrant.”
He also said “next year will mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Australia” adding “I firmly believe that next year, the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations will serve as an opportunity to further elevate our bilateral relations.”
