Yoon says S. Korea, Britain will tackle security, digital challenges together

▲ South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) delivers an address to members of both Houses of Parliament and other guests at the Palace of Westminster in London on Nov. 21, 2023. (Yonhap)

▲ South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers an address to members of both Houses of Parliament and other guests at the Palace of Westminster in London on Nov. 21, 2023. (Yonhap)

Yoon-British parliament

Yoon says S. Korea, Britain will tackle security, digital challenges together

By Lee Haye-ah

LONDON, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Britain will deepen and broaden their partnership to tackle various security and digital challenges together, President Yoon Suk Yeol said in a speech before the British parliament on Tuesday.

Yoon's speech came on the second day of his four-day state visit to Britain, which marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between Britain and the Joseon Dynasty, Korea's predecessor, in 1883.

Speaking in English, the president said this year will be an important and meaningful year for the partnership as the two countries deepen their cooperation in the security and economic realms and broaden their cooperation in the digital and cyber sectors.

"We are building new mechanisms for intelligence sharing and cybersecurity cooperation. Together, we will tackle North Korea's WMD threats. We will work more closely together to combat international cybercrimes including cryptocurrency theft and technology hacking," he said, referring to the North's weapons of mass destruction programs.

"Our bilateral trade and investment have thrived in many areas like finance, logistics, service and bioscience.

The FTA between Korea and the United Kingdom that took effect in 2021 has added further momentum. We will begin negotiations to modernize the FTA to strengthen cooperation on supply chains and digital trade," he added, referring to the free trade agreement between the two countries.

Yoon previewed his planned summit with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, saying the two leaders will sign the "Downing Street Accord" to upgrade bilateral relations to a "global strategic partnership."

"Together, we will build a free and open international order. Together, we will cultivate sustainable growth and prosperity for all of humanity," he said. "We will broaden our cooperation to digital, AI, cybersecurity, nuclear energy and defense industry. It will also include bio, outer space, semiconductors, offshore wind, green energy and the maritime sector."

During his speech, Yoon looked back on the shared history between South Korea and Britain, noting in particular the sacrifices of over 80,000 British troops who fought alongside South Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War, including more than 1,000 killed in action.

Colin Thackery, a British Korean War veteran, sat in the room as Yoon addressed him by name and expressed his deep gratitude and respect on behalf of the Korean people and government.

"This past July was the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice agreement. Mr. Thackery visited Busan again, the city where he first landed during the Korean War. There, he sang for the fallen heroes lying in rest at the U.N. memorial cemetery," Yoon said. "It was a Korean folk song called 'Arirang,' a song of remembrance for beloved ones. His song touched everyone's heart."

Beyond deepening bilateral relations, Yoon said South Korea and Britain should also rise to confront global challenges, including geopolitical risks like the war in Ukraine and the North Korean nuclear threat, and supply chain issues, climate change and the digital divide.

"The Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom are authors of dynamic and creative histories. We must stand in solidarity and respond to many of the world's challenges," he said, referring to South Korea by its formal name.

"One country alone cannot defend peace. Korea stands united with the United Kingdom and the international community to fight against illegal aggression and provocations. We will uphold established norms and international order," he added.

Yoon further stated that South Korea and Britain will work together to strengthen political and economic security in the Indo-Pacific region, utilize nuclear power and other clean energy sources, and assist countries most affected by climate change in their efforts for green transition.

In particular, Yoon outlined the challenges to freedom and democracy presented by AI and digital technology.

"Prime Minister Sunak has shown strong leadership in shaping a new order for the digital age," he said. "The Korean government is committed to leading international dialogue and cooperation on shaping new digital AI norms."

Yoon touched on the charm of the two countries' cultures before ending with a line from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

"The United Kingdom is the country of the Beatles, Queen, Harry Potter and David Beckham's right foot. Korea is the country of BTS, Black Pink, Squid Game and Son Heung-min's right foot," he said.

In the words of Shakespeare, he added, "For this friendship may so happy prove, to turn our challenges to pure opportunity."

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