[Former German Chancellor Schröder visits Korea ②] Former Chancellor Schröder talks with Governor Nam Kyung-pil and Deputy Governor Lee Ki-woo

 Optimistic outlook on a successful coalition in Gyeonggi Province; important advice on communicating with North Korean people with regards to unification

◇ On the morning of May 22, Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil greets former German Chancellor Schröder. ⓒ Gyeonggi Provincial Government

With former German Chancellor Gerhard Fritz Kurt Schröder’s special address at the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly on May 22, the ‘Gyeonggi coalition’ is receiving new attention.

In his 40-minute address at the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly, former Chancellor Schröder spoke highly of the coalition in Gyeonggi Province and offered wishes for its success.

Former Chancellor Schröder’s speech at the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly came to fruition after Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil visited Germany in October last year and asked former Chancellor Schröder to share Germany’s experiences and his opinions on unification and coalition.

Before his speech in front of the provincial assembly at 11am, former Chancellor Schröder met with Governor Nam Kyung-pil and Social Integration Vice Governor Lee Ki-woo to discuss coalition and unification issues. He said, “I believe the coalition in Gyeonggi Province will succeed.”

Before their conversation, Governor Nam introduced former Chancellor Schröder to the ‘Yeonliji tree’ in his office, which symbolizes the coalition in Gyeonggi Province. Governor Nam said, “The ruling party and the opposition are always talking and communicating as if they were dating each other.” He also said, “I thank you for keeping your promise and coming to Gyeonggi Province.”

Governor Nam continued, “In the West, there is a saying that ordinary politicians prepare for the next election while political leaders prepare for the next generation.” He offered his opinion that “Former Chancellor Schröder was a political leader who prepared for the next generation.”

Governor Nam said, “Politicians in Korea must prepare for the next generation rather than look out for electoral results or the interests and strategies of their political parties. To that end, we need to reform, consolidate and prepare for the future.” He added, “Politicians in Korea must learn what former Chancellor Schröder thinks about the future and interests of the country.”

In response, former Chancellor Schröder said, “Last year. when Governor Nam came to Berlin, we met and talked about the coalition in Gyeonggi Province. I visited Gyeonggi Province to see the coalition here myself.” He continued, “It is great to see the Yeonliji concept in which two roots meet to form one tree. I’ve learned that communication takes precedence over opposition.”

◇ Governor Nam Kyung-pil, former German Chancellor Schröder, and Social Integration Vice Chancellor Lee Ki-woo pose in front of the Yeonliji tree, a symbol of the coalition in Gyeonggi Province, in Governor Nam’s office. ⓒ Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Through conversation with former Chancellor Schröder, Governor Nam and Vice Governor Lee reached a consensus on the subjects of coalition and unification. They also revealed their resolve to lead the coalition in Gyeonggi Province to success. Former Chancellor Schröder also projected a bright future for a successful coalition in Gyeonggi Province.

Governor Nam said, “There are some difficulties in leading a coalition based on political compromise given that coalition has yet to be institutionalized. We plan on institutionalizing it in the future.” He also said, “We must unify our country, but it is difficult for the North Korean people to reach a consensus under the two-party system and presidential system. For this reason, we must prepare a political system that caters to a coalition government.”

Vice Governor Lee Ki-woo said, “We are working to carefully install the system because this is the first coalition in Korea.” He added, “The most important thing is that the benefits find their way back to the people of Gyeonggi Province and the people of Korea. To that end, we don’t have any differences.”

Former Chancellor Schröder said, “Meeting the both of you, I believe the coalition in Gyeonggi Province will be successful.” He also gave some advice, saying, “The coalition will be a great issue in reforming Korea with regards to its labor market and pension problems.”

◇ Governor Nam Kyung-pil, Vice Governor Lee Ki-woo and former Chancellor Schröder met in Governor Nam’s office. ⓒ Gyeonggi Provincial Government

◇ Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil, former German Chancellor Schröder, Gyeonggi Province Education Superintendent Lee Jae-jeong, Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Chairman Kang Deuk-gu, Social Integration Vice Governor Lee Ki-woo, Provincial Assembly Saenuri Party Representative Lee Seung-cheol, Provincial Assembly New Politics Alliance for Democracy Representative Kim Hyeon-sam, and Provincial Assembly Vice Chairman Cheon Dong-hyeon in the first floor lobby of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Heo Seon-ryang

With regards to unification, former Chancellor Schröder said, “It is important to send a message and communicate with the people in North Korea. Interaction between the two societies played a critical role when Germany was unified.” He also said it was a “great thing” for diplomacy at the local government level that Gyeonggi Province was endeavoring to do.

During a standing interview with the press in Gyeonggi Province after his address at the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly, former Chancellor Schröder offered his impressions and assessment of Governor Nam and Gyeonggi Province.

Former Chancellor Schröder said, “I think Governor Nam understands that type of reformation policy is needed not only in Gyeonggi Province but also in Korea. I also think he has an open mind. I felt that Gyeonggi Province is a region with great interest in reform.” He added, “I am convinced the reformation policies being prepared will succeed.”

In the afternoon of that same day, Gyeonggi Province hosted the ‘Luncheon with Former German Chancellor Schröder’ at Bongnyeongsa Temple in Suwon.

Governor Nam Kyung-pil, Provincial Assembly Chairman Kang Deuk-gu, Vice Governor Lee Ki-woo, New Politics Alliance for Democracy’s Gyeonggi Provincial Party Chairman Lee Chan-yeol, former party Chairman Song Ho-chang, Gyeonggi Province Planning and Coordination Assistant Governor Hwang Seong-tae, and Bongnyeongsa Temple Priest Jayeon participated in the luncheon.

Governor Nam arrived at Bongnyeongsa Temple and introduced former Chancellor Schröder to Chairman Lee Chan-yeol and other guests and said, “The New Politics Alliance for Democracy’s Gyeonggi Provincial Party helped create the coalition (in Gyeonggi Province).”

Former Chancellor Schröder said, “Bongnyeongsa is a beautiful temple. I would like to thank all the kind people who showed me around.”

Priest Jayeon took the special guests including Governor Nam around to Daejeokgwangjeon, Woohwagung (a Buddhist college). The dignitaries had lunch at Yukhwadang.

After the luncheon, Governor Nam presented former Chancellor Schröder with a white porcelain ‘Moon Jar’ made by Park Boo-won of Dowonyo in Gwangju. Former Chancellor Schröder said “Before I entered the world of politics, I was a porcelain factory worker. I thank you for this meaningful gift.”

◇ Special guests including Governor Nam Kyung-pil and former Chancellor Schröder offer their respects in front of Daejeokgwangjeon at Bongnyeongsa Temple in Suwon. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Yoo Je-hoon

◇ Governor Nam Kyung-pil and former Chancellor Schröder at Bongnyeongsa Temple in Suwon ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Yoo Je-hoon

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Kim Jin-Kyoung jinkyoungkim@kg21.net 

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201505221613107055C049&s_code=C048