Chairman Cho "K-Defense Industry, blood alliance relationship will greatly contribute"... Greece: “I am well aware of the interest in Korean defense companies”
(Athens = Yonhap News) Reporter Oh Kyu-jin = National Assembly Speaker Jo Jung-sik, who is on an official visit to Greece, met with the Greek President and Speaker on the 12th (local time) and discussed ways to expand cooperation between the two countries, which are blood allies, in areas such as shipbuilding and the defense industry.
Chairman Cho met with Greek President Konstantinos Tassoulas at the Presidential Palace in Athens, the capital, on this day and said, "As Greece is seeking to strengthen its military power as security threats in Europe increase, I hope that our company's participation can contribute to strengthening Greece's defense capabilities."
He said, "During the Korean War, Greece was a blood ally that protected the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea by sending over 10,000 troops, even though it was a country with no diplomatic ties," and added, "I look forward to continuing to advance cooperation in the shipbuilding and shipping fields and to expand the horizon of cooperation into future industries such as defense industry."
Regarding the issue of delayed renewal of residence permits for Korean expatriates in Greece, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "I heard that the Greek government and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Greece are working together to resolve the issue well."
In response, President Tasoulas responded, saying, “I agree with what Chairman (Jo Jeong-sik) said,” and added, “I am well aware of the interest of Korean defense companies in expanding maritime power, and the relevant organizations will carefully review the matters you mentioned.”
He continued, "Korea will be able to contribute to strengthening Greece's maritime security," and added, "If Greece takes over the presidency of the European Union (EU) Council next year, we expect that Korea will be able to play a role in improving the defense capabilities of not only Greece but the entire EU."
Prior to this, Chairman Cho met with Nikitas Kaklamanis, Chairman of the Greek Parliament, at the Greek National Assembly and said, "If we expand the cooperation that has so far focused on shipbuilding and shipping to the areas of high-tech and defense industries, it will be a great contribution to the blood alliance between the two countries."
He added, "I find it significant that exchanges between the parliaments of the two countries are becoming more active, including mutual visits by the heads of the Parliamentary Friendship Association of the two countries last year and this year," and added, "I hope that the relationship between the two countries' parliaments will become closer with Chairman Karlamanis' visit to Korea in the near future."
On this day, Chairman Cho laid a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek National Assembly building, attended a luncheon hosted by Chairman Kaklamanis, and held a dinner meeting with local compatriots and representatives of ground companies at a hotel in Athens to encourage compatriots and businesspeople and listen to their difficulties.
Representatives Han Jeong-ae and Hwang Hee of the Democratic Party of Korea and Rep. Kang Min-guk of the People Power Party accompanied him on this trip.
