[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]The G20 Seoul Speaker’s Consultation, which began at 8:30am Thursday morning with opening remarks by Speaker Park Hee-tae, continued with its second session on “Strategies for inter-parliamentary collaboration for world peace and anti-terrorism,” starting at 10:45 and lasting two hours.

Chaired by India’s Speaker Meira Kumar, the following discussions took place during the second session: “Climate change, environmental problems and world peace” by Speaker Marco Aurélio Spall Maia of Brazil, “Fight against terrorism and inter-parliamentary collaboration centered around the UN” by Speaker Francisco Javier Rojo García of Spain, “Poverty and the role of parliamentary diplomacy” by Secretary General Anders B. Johnsson of IPU, and “Inter-parliamentary coordination for anti-terrorism” by Deputy Chairman Alexander P. Torshin.

Speaker Maia shared Brazil’s experience in dealing with environmental issues, underlining that “both economic and environmental problems must be resolved to achieve a safer world.” Maia also urged countries to work together to take measures against climate change, which causes hunger, water shortage, and food shortage.

Speaker Rojo García emphasized that an effective strategy of collaboration against terrorism must be developed based on UN’s Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In particular, a strong multi-lateral system is needed to respond to the threats of terrorism, and Spain will play an active role in establishing a global counter-terrorism strategy.

Sectary General Johnsson of IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union) described “the role of the IPU in mediating conflicts around the world,” adding that “safety nets for the poorest must be widened.”

Russia’s Deputy Chairman Torshin stressed that “strengthening global coordination against terrorism is the only solution,” and remarked that “the anti-terrorism system must be strengthened considering the dynamic characteristic of terrorism.”

Following the presentations were discussions by Speaker Angel Serafin Seriche Dougan Malabo of Equatorial Guinea, Tadashi Hirono of Japan, Arlindo Chinaglia of Brazil, Francisco Agustín Arroyo Vierya of Mexico, and assembly members Park Jin and Chung Oknim of Korea.

Park Jin asserted that “climate change and anti-terrorism are two very important agendas for this meeting” and urged participants to share their ideas in the drafting of the joint declaration later in the afternoon. Chung Oknim introduced Korea’s bilateral and multi-lateral efforts to fight against terrorism, and remarked that “these discussions must continue through the next meeting of Speakers to seek continuous solutions.”

Bilateral Talks

Meanwhile, Speaker Park Hee-tae held bilateral talks with Speaker Mr. Julio César Cleto Cobos of Argentina, where he remarked that “the two countries must cooperate closely to overcome global challenges.”

Speaker Cobos expressed that “Korea’s democratization and development are impressive,” adding that “Korea’s continuous development even after the financial crisis has significant implications for the entire world.” The bilateral talks with Argentina were joined by Kwon Oh-eul (Secretary General of the National Assembly), Nam Kyung Pil (Grand National Party), Park Sun-Young (Liberty Forward Party).

In his bilateral talks with Speaker Harry Jenkins of Australia, Speaker Park noted that “this year marks the 50 th year anniversary of the establishment of formal ties between the two nations” and expressed his delight in welcoming Speaker Jenkins’ visit to Korea, especially after Prime Minister Julia Guillard’s visit to Korea back in April. Park expressed his hopes for Australia “to participate in the Yeosu Expo next year, as it will be a great opportunity to showcase Australia’s advanced marine technology and to promote their beautiful marine tourism resources.” Park also added that he welcomes “the resuming of exchange programs between young politicians of the two countries.”

Speaker Jenkins remarked “G20 Seoul Speaker’s Consultation is an important meeting of parliamentary leaders from around the world,” speaking confidently of its success. Jenkins handed a formal invitation of visit to Australia to Speaker Park, signed jointly by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The two Speakers also discussed the issue of the Korea-Australia FTA

The bilateral talks were joined by assembly members Hong Jun-pyo (Grand National Party) and Park Sun-Young (Liberty Forward Party), as well as the Secretary General Kwon, and also by Sam Gerovich, the Australian Ambassador to Korea, and Christopher Paterson, the adviser to the Speaker.

Park also held bilateral talks with Speaker Kassa Tekelebrhan Gebrehiwet of Ethiopia. Park remarked that “the people of Korean have not forgotten the help Ethiopia provided during the Korean War,” adding that “Ethiopia is currently the second largest destination of Korea’s foreign aid of all African countries, and we will seek ways to expand this aid.” Speaker Park also urged Ethiopia to join the “Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness” in November when it is held in Korea.

Speaker Kassa Tekelebrhan Gebrehiwet stated “Ethiopia is proud of the fact that it contributed to peace in Korea by fighting in the Korean War.” He expressed his hope for “more Korean investors to invest in the Ethiopian market, as the help of such an IT powerhouse is urgently needed.” The bilateral talks with Ethiopia was joined by assembly members Huh Cheon (Grand National party) and Park Sun-Young (Liberty Forward Party), as well as Secretary General Kwon.

Formal Luncheon

After the morning sessions, the parliamentary leaders headed to the traditional hanok house Sarangjae for the luncheon. In his remarks, Speaker Park urged leaders to spread the Korea wave around the world.

Traditional Korean dishes were served, with the sound of the gayageum playing in the background.

The luncheon was attended by over 100 guests, and Jiang Shusheng of China expressed delight upon learning that he was among the first guests to visit the Sarangjae, and proposed a toast for the success of the meeting.