12/21/2012 11:39:54 PM

December 19, 2012
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today after Park Geun-hye was elected as the next President of the Republic of Korea.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate Park Geun-hye on her victory and on being the first female to win presidential elections in South Korea.

"Canada and South Korea enjoy a vibrant relationship underpinned by 50 years of diplomatic engagement and cooperation in international organizations such as the G-20.

"I look forward to working with Park Geun-hye on further strengthening and diversifying these ties as we celebrate the Year of Korea in Canada and the Year of Canada in Korea in 2013. This includes working together to further enhance our trade and investment partnership in order to create jobs and prosperity in both our countries.

"Canada will continue to stand with South Korea and other international partners with a view to securing peace and prosperity on the entire Korean Peninsula.

"I also extend my appreciation to President Lee Myung-bak for his many contributions to Canada-Korea relations."