President Yun Seok-yeol, who returned to Korea on the 1st after the NATO summit held in Madrid, Spain, said, "I was understanding international issues in detail through reports from foreign media and advisors, but when I met the leaders of each country in person, the "I was able to feel the reality more," he said.
President Yoon made such a statement to his staff, spokesman Kang In-sun said in a written briefing today (3rd).
Most of the nearly 30 heads of state who met at bilateral talks or summits requested a visit to their countries, saying they hope to see President Yun again, and President Yun also invited heads of countries to visit Korea.
President Yoon also said, "Through meeting with the heads of state, I realized anew that the future food of our country depends on each field."
He also emphasized that many countries, centered on Eastern Europe and Northern Europe, expressed their intention to cooperate with Korea, valuing Korea's technological prowess in nuclear power generation, green technology, semiconductors, and electric vehicle batteries as the best in the world.
In this regard, the same request continued at luncheons with Spanish businessmen.
Spanish entrepreneurs have actively proposed advancing into third countries through cooperation between companies from both countries in the fields of infrastructure (infrastructure) and renewable energy.
In the fields of renewable energy, environmental industries, and auto parts, the Korean government requested special attention and support while announcing plans to expand investment in Korea.
A Spanish businessperson who attended the luncheon expressed his gratitude, saying, "Among the leaders who came to Madrid for the NATO summit, only the Korean president held a meeting with Spanish businessmen."
To this, President Yoon responded, "I hope that we can find various good opportunities by cooperating with Korean companies and entering Korea."
The presidential office also told the story behind the NATO schedule.
On the 29th of last month, the 'Spanish Millennium Choir', founded in 1999, sang our songs at the Korean compatriots meeting.
Although it is a foreign choir composed of Spanish members, we sang our songs with accurate Korean pronunciation.
In particular, as they sang 'Our Wish' following 'Barley Field' and 'Miryang Arirang', choir leader Lim Jae-sik shed tears, and President Yoon Seok-yeol and his wife, who were watching this, also shed tears.
It is the first time in 15 years that a Korean president has held a meeting with Spanish compatriots.
Leonor Ahn, the third daughter of the late Ahn Ik-tae (1906-1965), the composer of the national anthem, also attended.
Leonor Ahn currently resides in the home of the late Ahn Ik-tae and manages her memorial.
The Yoo-taek was purchased by Kwon Young-ho, a Spanish citizen, and donated to the state.