Duck-soo Han lays wreath at Korean War Memorial in Athens

Greek Deputy Minister of National Defence Ioannis Kefalogiannis on Friday attended the ceremonial laying of a wreath at the Memorial for the Fallen Greeks in the Korean War by visiting Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Duck-soo Han, it was reported on Saturday.

The memorial is located at Agios Georgios Sq. in the Athens district of Cholargos, and the event was attended by Papagos-Cholargos Mayor Ilias Apostolopoulos, Korean War veterans and members of their families.

Speaking at the event, Kefalogiannis noted that "73 years ago our country - responding to the call by the United Nations - raised its flag among the 22 allies who sent military personnel, air and ground forces to Korea."

"Cooperation between the two countries - having the same concerns and sensitivities on a broad range of political issues - is of the utmost importance, and can serve as a force multiplier to promote peace, security and economic development," he underlined.

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou met with visiting Republic of Korea Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Friday, and referred to the historic ties between Greece and Korea as well as the opportunities to expand bilateral relations.

The historical ties between the two countries were forged during their joint struggles for liberty, democracy, and peace, starting with the Greek Army forces that took part in the Korean War.

As she noted, relations between Greece and Korea since then have been developing steadily in all sectors of joint interest, with an emphasis on shipping and trade, to the benefit of both peoples.

Han noted that bilateral relations between Greece and Korea are developing in several sectors, including economy, trade, industry, shipping, and shipbuilding. For the latter, he noted that the first Greek ships in Korea's shipyards were built in 1972, marking the start of a mutually beneficial collaboration.

He also said that Greece and Korea are always fighting for the values of liberty, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

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