Good morning, fellow Koreans,

After wrapping up a trilateral summit among Korea, Japan and China held in Beijing, China, I went on a state visit to Myanmar on the same day and returned home on May 15. My state visit could not be made public until I arrived in Myanmar because of security concerns. I am grateful to the people for understanding the situation.

It has been nearly 30 years since a head of state of the Republic of Korea last made a visit to Myanmar. For the Korean people, Myanmar is a country associated with a truly painful memory. In 1983, at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum, 17 senior Korean government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Seo Seok-jun, lost their precious lives due to a terrorist bombing intended to assassinate the then-President of the Republic of Korea.

When I visited the tragic site, it was deathly quiet and surrounded with verdant trees and plants as if such a tragedy had never happened. Nevertheless, none of us, not to mention the bereaved families, can ever forget those who were sacrificed there.

Laying a wreath of white flowers at the Mausoleum, I paid tribute deep from my heart in memory of the 17 officials who passed away there 30 years ago.

What wrong did they do and to whom? They were the victims of the division of the country and a ruthless terrorist attack. I could not hold back my anger thinking about who took their lives. I felt all choked up.

The terrorist attack at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum in Myanmar should not have happened in the history of the 20th century, and this kind of tragedy must not be repeated ever again. Once again, I join all Koreans in offering profound condolences and sympathy to the members of the families who still live on with great sorrow in their hearts.

Fortunately, immediately after the incident, two active-duty North Korean military officers, who perpetrated the terrorist attack, were arrested and the truth behind the attack was manifestly laid bare. The United Nations as well as the Government of Myanmar made an official announcement that the attack was the work of North Korea, but, on the contrary, the North claimed that the incident was a fabrication of the South.

When the naval ship Cheonan was torpedoed in 2010, despite unquestionable scientific evidence, the North repeated the same spurious argument saying that it was fabricated by the South.

The North has repeatedly made such wild assertions, but what is more problematic are some pro-North Korea groups within our society. Just like the international community is demanding that the North change, those people who unconditionally support North Korea must change; they are, after all, living in the Republic of Korea that has joined the ranks of advanced countries.

My fellow Koreans,

Myanmar is not yet well known to us, but the nation has time-honored traditions and culture and a well preserved Buddhist legacy dating back several thousand years.

The country boasts a huge land area, about three times the size of the Korean Peninsula. This vast land is blessed with ample natural resources, including oil, natural gas and lead. The nation’s education level is very high, registering a meager 3 or 4 percent illiteracy rate among its 60 million people. In the 1950s and 60s, Myanmar was far better off than Korea.

However, the nation’s progress has stagnated due to the closed socialist economic system and the long-standing rule of the military authorities. Making matters worse, international sanctions over the past 20 years have left this country disconnected from the world. As a result, its national per capita income stands at around US$700, similar to that of North Korea.

Against all the odds, however, Myanmar changed its constitution in 2008, and last year saw the inauguration of a civilian government. This year pro-democracy forces successfully made it into the parliament through democratic elections. In addition, the nation resumed dialogue with the Western world.

In line with these developments, international sanctions have been lifted and many countries around the world are competitively moving to normalize diplomatic ties and make investments. After 24 years, the United Stated reopened its embassy. China and Japan are very active in making investments.

Thanks to these positive changes, I was able to visit Myanmar as the first state guest following the recent progress in the democratization of the country.

At the Summit with President Thein Sein, I had frank discussions on inter-Korean issues and economic collaboration. We agreed to take concrete cooperative measures.

In fact, until now, Myanmar has maintained special relations with North Korea.

My delegation and I urged the Government of Myanmar to comply with the UN Security Council Resolutions aimed at blocking the North’s development of nuclear weapons and missiles. The Government of Myanmar accepted this request. The pledge of Myanmar this time represents a giant step forward in terms of international security. 

The Government of Myanmar also wanted to learn about Korea’s experiences and know-how in economic development. It asked the Korean Government to help establish a research institute of human resources similar to the Korea Development Institute, which served as the cradle of Korea’s economic growth by coming up with the five-year economic development plans.  

The Korean Government promised that it would help build the Myanmar Development Institute, provide Official Development Assistance and loans from the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund, while transferring expertise on a rural development campaign like our Saemaul Movement.

Myanmar is an attractive country in many ways. The nation’s wage level is similar to North Korea’s. The country has geopolitical advantages as it can provide direct access to the Indian Ocean for ships sailing from China or Vietnam to Europe or the United States. Otherwise, the ships would have to pass through the Straight of Malacca.

It is significant for Korea to have another big market the size of Vietnam in the region. Our country can be assured of the abundant resources of Myanmar and actually invest in it. If our two nations consult and make thorough preparations this year, Korean businesses can make inroads in earnest beginning next year.

It is my firm belief Korean experiences will serve as a good example for Myanmar as our country has achieved democracy while industrializing.

At a meeting with democratization leader Aung San Suu Kyi, I emphasized that “democracy and human rights should not be sacrificed because of economic development.” The two of us decided to work together for the advancement of democracy in Myanmar.

President Thein Sein also clarified his intention to pursue economic development and democracy at the same time.

It is meaningful that we were able to discuss the enhancement of democracy and human rights with another country going beyond economic cooperation. This means that the role of Korea in the international community has been heightened.

Fellow Koreans,

I only feel sorrow for North Korea. It goes without saying that the whole nation genuinely wants to help the 20 million North Korean residents undergoing hardships in whatever way we can.

At the summit meeting with President Thein Sein, I said, “I hope North Korea will get better. Just as Myanmar has opened a new age, the North should learn from Myanmar as well as from Vietnam and China. By persuading the North Koreans this way, we will be really helping them.”

I earnestly hope that Pyongyang, just like Myanmar, changes its thinking, makes new friends and opens a new age.

Thank you very much.