Congratulatory Messages from Envoys

Foreign Ambassadors Sent Messages to Lee Myung-bak, Who Swears in Today as President.

The U.S.

On behalf of the U.S. Government and the people of the United States, I offer my sincere congratulations and warmest regards to President Lee Myung-bak as he assumes the office of the President of Korea.

The relationship between the United States and Korea remains strong and enduring. We share common values of freedom and democracy.

We have worked together for more than 50 years to keep peace on the Korean Peninsula, and we are allies in the struggle against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

To enhance further our strong relationship, our two countries now look forward to implementing the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, which will provide enormous benefits to our consumers and businesses.

It is in the spirit of cooperation and friendship that I echo the sentiments of the recent U.S. Congressional Resolution in congratulating Lee on his election to the Presidency of Korea.

To mark this special occasion, President Bush has asked Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to be his envoy to convey President Bush's congratulations to President Lee and to affirm the high value placed by President Bush on the strong Korea-U.S. friendship and alliance.

China

China offers sincere congratulations to President Lee Myung-bak.

Looking to the future, I'd like to suggest four areas of China-Korea relations that need to be strengthened.

First, China hopes to enhance communication and collaboration to maintain regional security, especially for the success of the six-party talks.

Second, China and Korea should endeavor to fortify bilateral trade by promoting volume and level of cooperation, and to explore new sectors for trade and exchange.

Third, China and Korea should work together to increase people exchanges.

Finally, China and Korea shall continue to cultural exchanges, so called "Chinese wind" and "Korean wave," and strive to promote Oriental heritage and culture around the globe.

China-Korea relations are standing on the starting line this year. Leaders of both countries should meet more often.

I hope China and Korea will strengthen strategic communication and reciprocal cooperation to become good neighbors, partners, friends, brothers and more.

Japan

It gives me a great pleasure to extend my most sincere congratulations on the inauguration of President Lee Myung-bak.

I would like to express my heart-felt best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of Korea under the outstanding leadership of President Lee Myung-Bak.

Korea is an invaluable neighbor for Japan, sharing common values such as freedom, democracy and human rights.

The enhancement of friendship and cooperation between Japan and Korea is an essential factor for the stability and prosperity of East Asia and the world beyond.

In recent years, our two countries have witnessed an unprecedented level of active exchange in the field of politics, economy and culture, both in terms of volume as well as diversity.

The number of people traveling between our two countries is nearing five million per year. These exchanges have forged mutual trust between our two countries and people.

It is my sincere hope that, building upon the mutual trust, we can work together to further enhance a future-oriented bilateral relationship between our two countries, ushering in what one could call a " New Era of Japan and Korea".

Lastly, I would like to reiterate my best wishes for the continued good health and happiness of President Lee Myung-bak and the continued success and prosperity of Korea.

France

I am honoured to convey my heartfelt wishes and congratulations to President Lee Myung-bak.

French President, M. Nicolas Sarkozy, wished every success to President Lee Myung-bak, not only in contributing to prosperity and well-being of Korea, but also in maintaining peace and stability in the North-East Asia region.

Today the France-Korea relationship is ever-closer. The two countries have witnessed steady development in their 'Global Partnership' especially ever since it marked the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2006.

From July to December 2008, France is to assume the rotating presidency of the European Union, during which it will seek to establish an enhanced framework of partnership between EU and the Republic of Korea.

I take this opportunity, once again, to address to President Lee Myung-bak my wholeheartedly wishes for a successful mandate.

Germany

Germany wishes President Lee Myung-bak every success. Korea has impressed the whole world over the last years by the determination of its people to become a leading economy in the world.

A responsible global mindset is now developing supported by the new President. This is the right direction.

Germany and Korea have been good friends for many decades.

We are strong partners in trade and investment. Germany will continue to support the conclusion of a EU-Korea FTA beneficial to both sides.

We should go beyond that and continue to build our common global interests.

I am convinced that under President Lee, relations between Germany and Korea will remain on a good track.

India

India and Korea enjoy age old civilizational ties and shared cultural values. India-Korea relations are currently in a vibrant phase.

The bilateral trade has crossed the $10 billion mark last year well ahead of the target date.

Lee Myung-bak had paid a visit to India in April 2007 and had fruitful interactions with the then President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam on mutual cooperation to optimize core competencies in knowledge - based technologies.

He had also addressed the Confederation of India Industries outlining his vision of our bilateral relations.

Thus, he has already demonstrated his keen desire to develop mutually beneficial strong relations with India.

We are confident that under the able leadership of President Lee. India-Korea relations will reach much greater levels so that both countries contribute significantly for the peace and prosperity of not only the region but the entire world.

I extend our warmest wishes to President Lee for his personal well-being and success as the President of Korea.