Jeju Forum 2017 Ex-presidents to discuss cooperation

By Kim Hyo-jin

Anibal Cavaco Silva

Megawati Sukarnoputri

Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat

Former heads of state are expected to share their visions to tackle global issues and promote cooperation at the World Leaders’ Session of the 12th Jeju Forum for Peace and Propserity on June 1.

During the session scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon, Portugal’s former President and Prime Minister Anibal Cavaco Silva will discuss how to understand the current trends that are uniquely characterized by growing calls for nationalism and protectionism.

Attention is high on the message to be delivered by the ex-leader who backed European integration, especially as Britain’s exit from the bloc looms.

Silva, while prime minister in 1986, led Portugal to join the 12-nation European Community (EC), the predecessor of the European Union (EU). The former EC president played a leading role in drawing up the Maastricht Treaty that laid the groundwork for the EU in 1992.

The pro-integrationist stepped up the encouragement of regional coordination in 2015 when Greece was on the brink of a eurozone exit.

Silva, the first center-rightist president in the country’s post-democratization era, served for a decade between 2006 and 2016. He made an official visit to Korea in 2014, the first Portuguese leader to do so after the establishment of bilateral relations in 1961.

Former Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, another panel member, is expected to speak on the future agenda for Asian countries and promote their further cooperation.

The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province gave Sukarnoputri the honorary title of island citizen in September 2015 in appreciation of her help to export “Samdasoo,” a Jeju water brand, to the Indonesian market and promote the island’s well-preserved environment and rich natural resources.

Sukarnoputri, the daughter of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, served in the top elected position from 2001 to 2004.

Mongolia’s first President Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat will join the session and share his opinions on Asia’s role in resolving common global challenges like climate change and cyber security.

Ochirbat served as president from 1990 to 1997, the first leader elected by direct popular vote. He is known to have contributed to advancing Mongolia’s transition to a multiparty democracy and market-based economy under the new constitution adopted in 1992.