VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
The ceremony of presenting an honorary degree was held during the prime minister's visit to St Petersburg. Upon presenting the degree, chairman of the university, Hark Lee, remarked that the diploma was assigned the number 1.
He also presented Prime Minister Putin with a judo kimono autographed by Korean Olympic champions and a personalised belt.
The prime minister thanked the leadership of the university, saying, "This again shows how deep judo's spiritual roots are and how judo brings people together. Judo is one of the most popular sports in the world, probably after football. Korean masters make a major contribution to the development of this sport."
The Prime Minister noted that Russia and Korea are connected through their economies and histories and share cultural, spiritual and humanistic values, and that their cooperation is manifested through joint projects, such as Hyundai's new auto plant, which opened in St Petersburg earlier that day.
University President Jung Haeng Kim invited Prime Minister Putin to the visit the university, which is located in Seoul. The prime minister replied that he needs to consult his schedule but will certainly try to find the time to visit the university if he comes to Seoul.
The Prime Minister was also asked to support the Korean city of Pyeongchang's bid to host the Olympic Games. In 2007, the city lost its bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics to Sochi. "We remember how Korea struggled for this bid. We understand you very well and will certainly support your bid," responded Prime Minister Putin.
