Address at Republic Day Function on 26 January 2012
Vice Minister for Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs H.E. HAN, Man Hee
Distinguished Guests
Friends,
Good evening, Ann yeong hashim nikka and Namaskar
I am delighted to see friends of India and Indian nationals in such numbers today. Let me extend you all a very warm welcome.
India celebrates 26th January, as the Republic Day, with justifiable pride. 62 years ago, we constituted ourselves as a Sovereign Democratic Republic. Today, we are a vibrant and a multi-cultural nation, as well as, the largest democracy in the world, comprising of 1.2 billion people. Persons of all faiths and ethnicities, live and work together in India, in great harmony, confidently crafting a secure future for themselves.
Despite numerous challenges, many of which still persist, we can draw satisfaction at growing around 8% per annum for the last few years. India is today the third largest economy in Asia, with its GDP poised to touch $2 trillion by the end of this year.For the last twenty years, ‘Look East’ has been the major plank of our foreign policy. We have been very successful in forging close partnerships with ASEAN and key East Asian nations, especially South Korea.
Exactly two years ago, President Lee Myung-bak was the Chief Guest during India’s Republic Day celebrations. This is an honour that we bestow to our very special and valued friends. The balance sheet, in just two years, has its own story to tell. We are now Strategic Partners, enjoy a strategic convergence of interests and outlook, have developed an issue-free relationship, have operationalised a Free Trade Agreement, bilateral trade has surged 70% in two years to over $ 20 billion, billions of Dollars of investment have flown in both directions, cultural ties have bloomed, a full-fledged Indian Cultural Centre has been established, close to 100,000 people each travel in both directions and security cooperation has grown noticeably. Need I say any more, except to note that I feel privileged to be assuming office, at this very exciting juncture in our relationship?
India and the Republic of Korea are determined to craft an extensive and enduring partnership, which would also be conducive to peace, stability and growth, in both our regions and in Asia as a whole. In this pleasant task, I seek the support and guidance of each and every one of you.
On this happy occasion, I would like to welcome you once again and would also like to wish you, your family and friends a wonderful year ahead.
Please join me in drinking to the health and happiness of the friendly people and leadership of South Korea and to India South Korea relations.
Please join me in drinking to the health and happiness of the friendly people and leadership of South Korea and to India South Korea relations
Thank you – Gamsa Hamnida
