Good morning, fellow Koreans,

The Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, which is aimed at safeguarding the peace and security of the world, is just a week away. For two days from March 26, leaders from all around the world, including 53 heads of state, will meet together in Seoul to discuss how to make a world free of nuclear weapons.

The last G20 Seoul Summit was a premier economic forum convened to come up with solutions to the economic crisis. This time, the Nuclear Security Summit will serve as a premier global security forum to deal with the peace and security issues of seven billion people around the world.

I am truly proud of the fact that Korea will play host to the largest-ever summit in history that discusses a single topic.

In the face of incessant nuclear threats from North Korea, we have consistently adhered to the unwavering principle of nuclear nonproliferation. Besides, we are one of the exemplary countries using nuclear power peacefully. For these reasons, Korea won acclaim from the international community and was given a chance to host this significant Summit.

With the successful hosting of several large-scale international conferences, including the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan last year, Korea is now firmly establishing itself as a pacesetter in formulating a new world order.

The importance of nuclear security came to the fore in the international community following the September 11 terrorist attacks. When the terrorists indiscriminately attacked civilian workplaces, it became meaningless to distinguish between a battlefield and the home front.

Of all acts of terrorism, nuclear terrorism is the most formidable one. It has now become the most lethal risk factor threatening the survival of humanity. Confronted with North Korea, we are not free from the threat of nuclear terrorism either.

Currently, radioactive materials which can be utilized to make as many as some 130,000 nuclear weapons are scattered around the globe. The objective of the Nuclear Security Summit is to prevent such nuclear materials from falling into the hands of terrorist groups.

Moreover, it is aiming at ultimately making a world without nuclear weapons by reducing the amount of nuclear materials around the world to a minimum level and tightening control of them. During the Summit, many participating countries are expected to present concrete pledges on this issue.

Whereas the Washington Nuclear Security Summit held in 2010 served mainly as a venue to proclaim a shared awareness of the need for nuclear security, the upcoming Seoul Summit is expected to produce more advanced and concrete action plans through a Seoul Communiqué. The Communiqué is expected to encompass ways to enhance government control over radioactive substances and to strengthen cooperation among nations to prevent illegal trafficking of nuclear materials.

It carries added significance for the Republic of Korea, which is directly exposed to a nuclear threat, to stand at the center of discussions on global nuclear security. On top of this, our nation is projected to play a significant role in broadening global support for the denuclearization of North Korea.

The following is what Professor Jun Bong-geun of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy said:

“Amidst great concerns over the situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula this year, the gathering of global leaders and the discussion of nuclear security in itself will be conducive to stabilization. Prevention of unlawful nuclear trafficking and bans on the use of highly-enriched uranium that will be on the table this time are applicable to North Korea though not directly targeting it, and therefore will have the effect of sending a warning message and pressuring the North.”

My fellow Koreans,

The goal of the Nuclear Security Summit is to make the world more peaceful and safer, thereby ensuring that all peoples can pursue happiness. This constitutes the very reason why many countries around the world participate in the Summit with such enthusiasm.

However, it is truly regrettable that some domestic organizations are opposing the upcoming Summit, misunderstanding its purpose. As the Chair of the Summit, Korea has to make this gathering a great success with a strong sense of duty and responsibility.

In this regard, I ask for your heartfelt support and collaboration.

Here are words of Yun Seung-il, a 41-year-old company worker.

“When the G20 Summit was held in Seoul a couple of years ago, citizens voluntarily joined a campaign to drive their cars every other day. At that time, I left my car at home and used the subway. I hear the Nuclear Summit this time is even bigger and more significant, and I will surely join the campaign. I also hear that the summit conference hall will remain intact and be open to the general public on March 28 after the close of the Summit. I plan to visit the site with my two children who are 9 and 6. It will be a good opportunity for them to embrace big visions for the future.”

The Government will do its best to minimize the inconveniences for citizens during the Summit.

Right now hundreds of volunteers and workers assigned to the Summit are toiling at COEX in Samseong-dong to prepare for the international event.

“Here I can learn and experience practical things involving international politics, diplomacy, and security that classroom cannot teach. This is truly an invaluable opportunity for me. I hope the Korean people will take advantage of the Summit, pay keener attention to nuclear security and stay alert to the dangers of nuclear accidents and terrorism.”

We have just heard the comment by a volunteer college student named Lee Eun-a. The Government on its part will be doing all it can to make thorough preparations for the Summit.

Fellow Koreans,

The opening day of the Summit, March 26, coincides with the second anniversary of the sinking of the Korean naval ship Cheonan. Those who lost their sons, husbands and fathers are still experiencing acute pain. On this occasion, I once again offer words of comfort for the bereaved families.

The noble sacrifices of Warrant Officer Han Joo-ho and all 46 heroes will not be in vain. Armed with a firm sense of national security, we will safeguard our homeland and all our families.

With the milestone of the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, our nation will be in the forefront of the endeavor to secure peace around the world as well as on the Korean Peninsula.

Peoples of the world differ in culture, ethnicity and ways of thinking, but the one unfailing common desire of all is peace.

Thank you very much.