OTTAWA, ON – Parliamentarians, diplomats and officials, Korean War veterans, regional community leaders and stakeholders gathered on Parliament Hill on June 4, 2013 to discuss important issues of trade, security and bilateral cooperation between Canada and Korea during this special milestone Year of Korea and Year of the Korean War Veteran.
The 2nd annual Canada Korea Dialogue Series on the Hill, co-presented by Canada Korea Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group (CKIFG) and Canada Korea Society (CKS), supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, was successfully held on Parliament Hill.
The evening formally opened with welcoming remarks by the Honourable Yonah Martin and Member of Parliament Barry Devolin (Co-Chairs of CKIFG), and Young-Hae Lee (President of CKS). The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Asia Pacific made special opening remarks and explained the status of the on-going FTA negotiations. Four official panelists – Ambassador Cho Hee-yong, Senator Joseph Day, Parliamentary Secretary Andrew Saxton, and Professor Jacob Kovalio – delivered thoughtful speeches related to trade and economic cooperations as well as regional and global security. A discussion period followed, moderated by MP Devolin.
Following the discussion, everyone enjoyed a delicious Korean meal, co-sponsored by CKIFG, CKS and the Embassy.
The 2nd Annual Canada Korea Dialogue Series on the Hill clearly reaffirmed the importance and unlimited potential of the Canada Korea bilateral relationship, in the spirit of “trust and cooperation” (as expressed by Professor Kovalio).
It was a continuation of the celebration of the Year of Korea and the Year of the Korean War Veteran.