President Lee Jae-myung, who finished a tour of the United States and South America, stopped in Frankfurt, Germany, on his way home to meet with members of the Korean community there.
On the afternoon of the 2nd (local time), at a meeting with the Korean community held at a hotel in Frankfurt, the president said, "Korea and Germany are very much alike. Both countries rose up from the pain of war and division," and added, "Germany amazed the world with the miracle of the Rhine, and Korea with the miracle of the Han River."
The president said the first generation of Koreans who came to work in Germany made a major contribution to building trust in Korea. "This year marks exactly 60 years since our senior nurses first set foot at Frankfurt Airport in 1966," he said. "The first generation sent to Germany made known the diligence and sense of responsibility of Koreans in German society, and created and firmly cemented trust in the country called Korea."
He also emphasized the role of our corporations and compatriots active in the German and broader European markets. The president said, "From global conglomerates to strong mid-sized corporations and small business owners, our corporations are proving Korea's competitiveness at the heart of the European market."
He went on, "The true competitiveness of corporations is complete only when they earn deep trust in the local community. It is you, the compatriots building trust on the ground, who are the core of Korea's competitiveness."
He also said the government would closely review civil petitions and support policies so overseas Koreans can feel the results.
The president said, "We have conducted a full survey of civil petitions since the beginning of the year, and I was told that about 42 petitions were filed in Germany," and added, "Wherever you are in the world, we will examine matters meticulously and carefully so you can believe the government hears you, considers your concerns, and takes action."