South Korean presidential envoys have visited the United Kingdom and India to personally deliver President's letters to key figures, signaling a renewed commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.

On July 17, the delegation to the United Kingdom presented a personal letter to Jonathan Powell, the National Security Adviser. During meetings with government and parliamentary officials, the envoys explained the new administration’s philosophy and foreign policy direction.

The delegation emphasized that South Korea’s democracy has entered a new era, marked by a peaceful restoration of popular sovereignty. They introduced a vision of South Korea evolving into a pragmatic nation with global responsibilities.

The special envoys also expressed South Korea’s intention to take a firm stance against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, while pursuing dialogue, exchanges, and peace on the Korean Peninsula through tension reduction and confidence-building measures.

National Security Adviser Powell welcomed the envoys and remarked that the international community positively views South Korea’s democratic resurgence.

The delegation met Catherine West, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to discuss expanding South Korea-UK relations. A wreath-laying ceremony was also held to honor British veterans who fought in the Korean War for freedom and democracy.

During the UK visit, Nusrat Ghani, Senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, expressed hope for further cooperation between the two countries in cutting-edge industries such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

The following day, a meeting with Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Defence, led to discussions on strengthening defense and defense industry cooperation, as well as the UK's role in promoting peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, the South Korean delegation to India met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 17 and delivered the President's personal letter directly.

During the meeting, the envoys relayed the President’s commitment to further developing the South Korea-India Special Strategic Partnership, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, while seeking expanded strategic cooperation in defense and key technology sectors.

They also called for India’s continued support and attention in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and advancing peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the delegation, expressed his hope for a future visit by the South Korean President, and underscored the importance of expanding South Korean business presence and shipbuilding cooperation in India.

On July 18, at a meeting with Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the envoys discussed foreign policy directions of the new administration and further bilateral cooperation, with assurances of support for South Korean businesses operating in India.

During talks with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the delegation conveyed South Korea’s sincerity in deepening bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to increase high-level exchanges, enhance defense and economic cooperation, and jointly work on upgrading the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Korea Policy Briefing