Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor to have with us today President Harriett Wallberg-Henriksson of Karolinska Institute in Sweden to award her the Honorary Doctorate of Medicine. I would like to express the deepest gratitude and celebration to Dr. Wallberg-Henriksson on her acceptance of the Honorary Doctorate Degree at Seoul National University.

The Honorary Doctorate of Seoul National University is awarded to those who have contributed profoundly to the progress of human society and academic research. President Wallberg-Henriksson’s acceptance of this degree is especially meaningful as this is the first honorary doctorate to be awarded since my inauguration as President of Seoul National University.

President Wallberg-Henriksson has made immense contribution to the advancement of world's medical science through her dedicated education and research in Physiology and diabetes. Furthermore, she has been committed to the promotion of international scientific research collaboration as the most respectable administrator. Dr. Wallberg-Henriksson has set a true example of Noblesse Oblige by engaging herself actively in pursuit of service for the global community and international cooperation.

Historically, the Kingdom of Sweden has been remembered by Koreans as a country of special friendship with the Republic of Korea. Kingdom of Sweden took a vital role to restore peace in the Korean peninsula as a member of Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission during the Korean War. The support from Sweden did not cease after the war. When Korea was in need of modern medical facilities during the difficult years, it was Sweden that reached out to support the establishment of the National Medical Center. Up to this day, many Koreans still remember the humanitarian support from the Kingdom of Sweden. Last year, SNU hosted a party and exhibition for commemorating a photograph collection of a Swedish zoologist Sten Bergman, who recorded the old moments of Korea during his trip in 1935. His photographs and the conversation I shared with his grandson deeply moved me with special recollection of the lives of Koreans in the past.

I certainly hope that this memorable conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree will be a significant momentum for enhancing the mutual academic exchange between Karolinska Institute and SNU as well as the friendship between Kingdom of Sweden and the Republic of Korea.

Once again, I congratulate Dr. Wallberg-Henriksson on her Honorary Doctorate Degree at SNU and sincerely welcome her as a distinguished member of Seoul National University.

Thank you very much.