President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol on the morning of March 10 greets the people at the main auditorium of the National Assembly Library in the Yeouido area of Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo-gu District. (People Power Party)
By Xu Aiying and Lee Jihae
World leaders have sent via social media congratulatory messages to President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol, who won Korea’s 20th presidential election.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on March 10 said on his official Twitter account, “Congratulations to Yoon Suk-yeol for winning South Korea’s presidential election,” adding, “Korea is a friend and ally of Great Britain and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, protecting freedom and security and promoting trade in the industries of the future.”
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on the same day that Korea-Japan relations are indispensable for regional and global peace, stability and prosperity.
He said he hopes for President-elect Yoon’s leadership and close cooperation with the new president for the improvement of Korea-Japan relations.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, “Underpinned by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Australia’s relationship with the Republic of Korea has never been stronger. Together we can build a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 10 said in a congratulatory letter that as chief executive, he hoped that President-elect Yoon can contribute to the further development of bilateral relations for the benefit of the people of both countries and national security and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia as a whole.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on March 9 released a statement while visiting Europe to discuss the crisis in Ukraine, saying, “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Yoon Suk‑yeol on his victory in South Korea’s presidential election.”
“Canada and South Korea enjoy a strong relationship, based on shared democratic values and extensive trade and investment relations. We work closely together on the world stage, including through the G20 (Group of 20 economies), the United Nations, the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Ottawa Group.”
He added, “As Canada and South Korea prepare to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations next year, I look forward to working with President-elect Yoon to deepen relations between our two countries and advance our shared priorities.”
Prime Minister Trudeau concluded the statement by saying, “I thank outgoing President Moon Jae‑in for his valuable partnership over the years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc also sent congratulatory greetings to the president-elect.
xuaiy@korea.kr
