HRH The Crown Princess' speech at dinner with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea

On behalf of the Swedish delegation, I would like to extend our gratitude to you, Prime Minister, and to you Mrs Lee, for your warm hospitality and for this excellent opportunity to deepen the bilateral relationship between our countries.

Sweden has long been committed to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. During the Korean War, our country sent a field hospital to Busan. And ever since the armistice in 1953 around one thousand Swedish officers have served at Panmunjom, standing watch for peace.

In recent years, developments have shown that peace and security are increasingly under threat in both Europe and Asia. Security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific is evidently more closely linked than ever before.

As open, trade-dependent countries, Sweden and the Republic of Korea share the conviction that an open global economy is vital. During this visit, we have seen great potential to further strengthen collaboration between our industries - particularly in the green transition, research and innovation and in emerging strategic technologies. We need each other to find new solutions to common challenges, and we rely on each other to remain competitive.

Our relationship also extends to other areas. We enjoy close cooperation in culture and the creative industries, such as music and film. Prince Daniel and I look forward to hearing more about this impressive Korean industry tomorrow. In literature, it was with great joy that we received the news last year that Han Kang had been awarded the Nobel Prize.

Once again, we thank you, Prime Minister and Mrs. Lee, most warmly. Let me propose a toast to the enduring partnership and friendship between the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Sweden!