By Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol held a summit with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at the Yongsan Presidential Office on November 3 and exchanged views on bilateral relations, ways to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, and regional and international developments.

The President said that as Ireland is a friendship country that shared the universal values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law during the Korean War, it is significant that Prime Minister Varadkar is visiting Korea this year on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

Prime Minister Varadkar said he considers the Republic of Korea to be a key partner in Ireland's Asia-Pacific region and that he chose the Republic of Korea as the first stop on his trade mission because of its importance.

The President said he hoped that the meeting and the trade mission would lead to a significant increase in bilateral trade and investment. The president said he looks forward to expanding cooperation, especially in areas where the two countries share strengths, such as the bioindustry. He also hoped that the recently revised working holiday MOU would facilitate exchanges between the two countries' future generations.

Varadkar said there is great potential for bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, and encouraged the two countries to continue to explore ways to cooperate not only in the economic sphere but also in education and research.

Varadkar said that Island supports the ROK government pushing for the denuclearization of North Korea while strictly responding to Pyongyang's ongoing nuclear and missile provocations. The two leaders also agreed to continue to provide support and solidarity to Ukraine, and exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Varadkar expressed his appreciation for the President's knowledge of and interest in Irish culture, noting that the President had quoted Irish poet Sheamus Heaney at a state dinner in April.

Varadkar's visit marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which share the values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, and is seen as an opportunity to deepen partnerships across all sectors.