South Korean President Park Geun Hye delivered a speech to students in Tsinghua, the alma mater of Chinese President Xi Jinping, on June 29.
Park said cultural ties have paved the way for rapid development in bilateral relations over the past 20 years. She boasted impressive bilateral trade figures and said that about 60,000 students study in each other's country.
"I have read many Chinese articles and believe only cultural exchanges can close the distance between hearts. I have advocated a trust politik. Mutual trust between leaders and their people could lead to good bilateral relations," Park said.
She also spoke about the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, where building trust is difficult. She called for Asian countries to enhance cooperation. Again, she urged the DPRK to abide by its denuclearization commitment.
"The improved situation on the Korean Peninsula is good for the development of China's northeastern area. Young people from China and South Korea could together build the Northeast Asia. South Korea would like to work with China to achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula." Park said.
The South Korean President also called for more cultural and personal exchanges between the youth of the two countries
"President Park's idea of economic integration in East Asia echoed with my studies. Her commitment to improving the security situation in this region also impressed me," Yang Mo, a doctoral student from Tsinghua University said.
"I am greatly intrigued by her personal experiences. Her speech today on China and South Korean cooperation impressed me the most. I hope both countries could work together to contribute to peace and prosperity of the world," sadi Huang Cheng, a sophomore.
After the speech, Tsinghua University presented Park with a model of the university's old school gate.
She was also given a calligraphy work by Feng Youlan, whose philosophical books accompanied Park during her difficult years in the 1970s.
Drawing from her own personal experiences, Park urged young people in China to live an upright life and to forge ahead. She wished students a bright future.
(CNTV.cn June 29, 2013) |