VANCOUVER, BC – The Honourable Yonah Martin, Deputy Government Whip of the Senate of Canada, released the following statement on the election of the new President of the Republic of Korea: th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Korea. 2013 also marks the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice – an important reminder of Korea’s remarkable recovery from a devastating civil war to become one of the strongest economies in the world today. Though Korea remains divided and technically still at war, 2013 is set to be a milestone year filled with potential and opportunity for Korea and Canada.
“Today marks an important day for the Republic of Korea and an important milestone for women of Korean descent in Korea and around the world. Park, Geun-hye, the daughter of one of South Korea’s iconic Presidents, has become the country’s first female President. Ms. Park has the experience of being a First Lady at the age of 22, charged with receiving the spouses of foreign Heads of State, after the assassination of her father, Park Chung-hee.
“I would like to congratulate Ms. Park on her election as the new President of Korea and acknowledge her passion, dedication and hard work to serve the people of Korea, over several decades. I wish to acknowledge all the campaigns and the Presidential candidates who devoted so much of their time and energy to serving the public and sharing their vision for Korea through the many months leading up to the election.
“The election of President Park Geun-hye is an important milestone that Korea has achieved as a country; and the higher than average voter participation in this election is a testament to the robust democracy that Korea has become.
“2013 marks a significant year for Canada and Korea, with the declaration of ‘Year of Korea’ in Canada and the ‘Year of Canada’ in Korea that took place in Ottawa on December 4, 2012 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Prime Minister Kim, Hwang-sik, to highlight the 50
“On behalf of the Senate of Canada, I acknowledge the leadership and service of out-going President Lee Myung-bak throughout his term; and express sincere wishes for the Republic of Korea’s renewed hope for even greater success and stability under the leadership of President Park Geun-hye.”
Contact Information:
The Office of the Honourable Yonah Martin
Phone: 613-947-4078
Email: seearg@sen.parl.gc.ca
Fax: 613-947-4082
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