President celebrates Aegis destroyer launch
Now, we are celebrating the day when our navy finally deploys the most advanced warship in the world. The name of the destroyer is the King Sejong the Great, which befits the historic significance of the ship. According to historical research, there were about 50 inventions in the world made in the first half of the 15th century when King Sejong reigned. Out of those 50, 22 were invented in Korea, back then known as Joseon, three in China and one or two in Japan . Differently put, the King Sejong era can be said to be the most flourishing period for the development of scientific technologies. Korea prospered then more than any other time in history. Thus, peace on Northeast Asia was maintained.
Our navy comes to have a destroyer named after one of the greatest leaders, King Sejong the Great, who represents the most prosperous period of the country. Isn't that something we should celebrate? I really congratulate you all.
Now our navy has finally become a world-class force. We did not purchase this destroyer from somewhere else, but this very company, Hyundai Heavy Industries, made it on its own. Isn't Hyundai Heavy one of the leading shipbuilders in the world with the most advanced technologies? The company is and will continue to be the world's best, and we are proud of it, aren't we?
So, we have three best things going for us: the name of the ship, the ship itself and the shipyard. Ulsan is no ordinary place, either. It is the most exemplary city, indeed, in the nation's industrialization that has led the way for Korea 's industrial growth. Industrialization in the city has been around for so long that you might wonder whether it has run its course, but that is not the case. The city continues to exude vibrant energy thanks to hard work from its companies and citizens, still creating the highest value-added products in Korea. I don't know if I can call Ulsan the best city in the world, but it is definitely a first-rate city. We are here today, a place layered with four top-class elements. This occasion makes our hearts swell with pride.
If I may, I will tell you a little anecdote about my experience with Ulsan. In 1966, when Ulsan was being developed for the first time as an industrial city, I came here and worked for months as a day laborer. So, I am a part of the city's development, right?
This is truly a great day not just for the ROK Navy but also for the Ministry of National Defense and our armed forces. And they are not alone. All Koreans should be delighted and remember this moment a long time.
I deeply contemplated the question why we need this great ship. As you know well, South and North Korea will not keep picking quarrels with each other forever. I believe that in the foreseeable future, Northeast Asia will move toward an order of reconciliation, cooperation and integration. It is my firm belief that just as the global international order is moving in that direction, Northeast Asia will have no choice but to follow suit. But at the present time, Northeast Asia is still in an arms race, and we cannot just sit back and watch.
If we have sufficient strength but abuse it, we cannot maintain peace. At the same time, regardless how hard we try, we cannot maintain peace if we do not have what it takes. Taking a historical cue from our past experience, we have to equip the nation with the capability to defend itself.
This Aegis destroyer we are dedicating today could be the best symbol of that capability. That's what I believe.
Not only in naval power, we have to build up an adequate ability in all areas that constitute war power so that we will be able to defend ourselves without fail. We need to establish broad-based defense power that can deter any war for certain.
Once more, I would like to thank all the citizens of Korea without whose support this feat would not have been possible.
Also, I ask all Koreans to continue to strive to become the best in the world not only in naval power but also in other areas?？war preparedness in general, economic power and cultural power as well as democratic standards.
Again, I congratulate you all on the launching of the destroyer King Sejong the Great, and I wish every one of you continuing success.
Thank you.
웹사이트: http://www.president.go.kr
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2008년 8월 6일 17:22
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