President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of December 16 at the Presidential Office met with Korean Sogang University President Dr. Sohn Byung-doo and Mrs. Sohn. President Ma extended a cordial welcome to the two on their visit to Taiwan.
President Ma commented that President Sohn is a friend to Taiwan. He has consistently worked to promote ties between Taiwan and the Republic of Korea, and he even founded a committee responsible for promoting the development of relations and economic exchanges between the two countries. In addition, President Ma noted that Dr. Sohn is the one of the leaders of the Seoul Taipei Club and he has taken part in many cooperative exchanges between the two countries over the years.
President Ma said Dr. Sohn is a renowned educator and his achievements in running academic institutions are obvious to all. He is an extremely popular figure in Korea's educational and political circles, the president said. President Ma added that he is extremely pleased to be able to meet this outstanding old friend again here in Taipei, expressing his hope that Dr. Sohn will have a pleasant and successful stay in Taiwan.
Dr. Sohn expressed his appreciation to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He said that Taiwan and Korea have a deep friendship. While they may have drifted apart to a degree in recent years, the friendship between both sides continues. In particular, Taiwan and the Republic of Korea will soon sign an investment guarantee agreement, he said. Dr. Sohn said he is confident that this pact will set a good foundation for the two countries to sign a free trade agreement down the road.
Dr. Sohn also said he is pleased that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait on December 15 commenced direct shipping, aviation and postal contacts. He said he believes that the development of harmonious relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait will have a positive impact on relations between North Korea and the Republic of Korea.
Dr. Sohn and Mrs. Sohn were accompanied to the Presidential Office in the afternoon by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Ching-shan Hou and the Director of Chinese Culture University's Graduate Institute of Korean Language and Literature Dr. Lin Ming Deo to meet with President Ma. Also in attendance was National Security Council Advisor Dr. Philip Y. M. Yang.