Speech By H.E. Abdullah Gül, President of the Republic of Turkey, At Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Mr. President,
Distinguished Academicians,
Fellow Students,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a leasure for me to address such a distinguished audience here in Seoul at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. My visit to your University is one of the highlights of my visit to the Republic of Korea.
Hospitality is a virtue both Turks and Koreans cherish. I should like to thank you, Mr. President, for the warm hospitality extended to me and to my delegation.
There is a Korean saying which states: "Visiting a friend's house is never far away". I think this expresses our feelings fully.
I am proud to receive the Honorary Doctorate degree of your University. The existence of the Turkish Language Department within your University makes this title even more meaningful.
In Turkey, we also have departments of Korean Language and Literature in two different universities. One of them is in my hometown Kayseri. I believe that with the increasing number of Koreans speaking Turkish and Turks speaking Korean, people-to-people exchanges between our nations will be further strengthened in the future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Turkey and Korea are bound by historical, cultural and linguistic ties. We enjoy excellent relations. As members of the United Nations and the G-20, we share common values and have similar views on many regional and international issues.
This year is of special importance since it is the 60th anniversary of the Korean War where Turkish and Korean soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder in their fight for freedom. Our solidarity in the battlefields enabled the revival of the brotherhood between our peoples and paved the way for the establishment of the solid bonds between our two nations.
I have a group of Korean War veterans in my Delegation. Even today, just like when they returned home from the War, they are called not with their names but referred to as "the Korean". They are highly respected by all Turks.
Our veterans have come to Korea, their second home, to revive their memories and to pay tribute to their fellow comrades. Our soldiers sacrificed their lives not only for freedom and peace, but moreover contributed to the enduring friendship of our two nations.
Fellow Students,
Turkish-Korean relations gained new impetus in the 21st century with mutual high level visits and more interaction in the economic and cultural fields.
I have fond memories, like many of my fellow countrymen, of the 2002 World Cup Soccer Tournament which South Korea co-hosted with Japan.
The support shown by the Korean people towards the Turkish National Team was extraordinary and deeply moving. Our national team is not competing in the World Cup this year, however our hearts will be with your National Team.
Distinguished Guests,
The progress Korea has achieved in the past 30 years is commendable. Korea is a model not only for its region but beyond.
Like other countries, Turkey also greatly appreciates the technological and scientific advances that Korea has achieved in recent years and we are eager to develop our cooperation in these fields.
Furthermore, we are aware that these advances have been possible due to the excellent education that Korea can give its young generations in outstanding institutions such as this one.
Turkey has also recorded immense modernization in education in recent years. Therefore, let me take this opportunity to also say that we attach importance to deepening our cooperation in education.
As we are leaving behind the first decade of the new century, there is definitely a new Turkey in the world scene.
As the 16th largest economy in the world, 6th largest in Europe, with a GDP approaching the trillion dollar mark, a young and vibrant population, and a continuously growing market for investment, Turkey is on its way to joining the ranks of major global actors by most parameters.
Turkey is broadening its horizons by opening up to East and South Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific basin.
Fellow Students,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Asia will certainly leave its mark in the 21st century.
A number of regional cooperation schemes enable us to ensure a more efficient coordination of our national efforts to obtain a more prosperous, secure and stable Asia. A week ago the third summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was held in Istanbul.
At the Istanbul Summit, Turkey assumed the CICA Chairmanship. We see our new responsibility as an additional element which will allow us to further develop our relations with Asia as a whole.
As close partners in many international organizations, we look forward to working with our Korean friends within CICA as well.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The international system is going through a time of radical changes. We have seen the end of the bipolar world order and are witnessing the emergence of a system of multipolarity. This in turn creates a more volatile international environment.
Against such a backdrop, the need for enhanced and comprehensive cooperation, intensified dialogue and closer integration among the family of nations takes an added urgency.
In this respect, as the flagship of the international system, the United Nations headed by its able Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is perhaps the best example embodying both the promise and the challenges of the kind of global governance we need today.
Global economic governance and international financial institutions, on the other hand, are yet another area in need of urgent reform. In this framework, we support an expansion of the present G-8.
In fact, we believe that the composition of the G-20 where both Turkey and South Korea are present, constitutes a much more democratic and representative platform.
Developing a sense of ownership of regional problems, promoting dialogue and mutual confidence, and giving everyone a stake in cooperating with each other, are essential to creating solid regional building blocks. Turkey and Korea are two countries whose contributions can make a difference in such efforts.
Today, international relations are not only about national interests or political, economic and military power but also about culture, history and shared universal values. In this regard, Turkey and Korea are pioneering forces in their own region, in advancing the standards of human rights, fundamental freedoms and such values as democracy, rule of law, social justice and human development.
Fellow Students,
Turkish-Korean partnership is a solid one. One that takes strength from the past, but is also forward-looking.
The responsibility of preserving its unique nature, yet deepening and diversifying our cooperation falls on the shoulders of you, the future generations.
I am confident that you will accomplish this mission and carry on Turkish-Korean partnership to the next decades of the 21st century.
Kamsam nida !