Quotes from Lee Myung-bak

When the Korean economy was just trying to get back on its feet after the war, having parks was a luxury.

From the Chinese perspective, Korea ranks about third or fourth in terms of trading volume and about third in terms of investment.

The endgame is peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula.

I do believe that both countries, China and Russia, that both of them are responsible countries.

The role of G-20 is to support the global economy to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth.

What we have is North Korea still pursuing path to a nuclear weapon state. So the majority of people's trust in North Korea has gone down considerably.

Well when I was young, actually not just me, but we were all poor. Korea used to be one of the poorest countries in the world. Despite such circumstances, I was very, very fortunate to be blessed with having parents who always instilled in a spirit of can-do spirit.

With the lessons taken from the financial crisis in 1997, the Republic of Korea has been able to surmount the global economic crisis rather successfully.

I plan to lower corporate taxes to create an environment that encourages companies to invest more.

Just to take a couple steps back historically, Korea, as you can see, is located among what we call big countries. And historically we've always been the victim of numerous invasions and whatnot.

Korea is an open society and we will make sure that there is no restriction on foreign investment in Korea.

Fiscal crises often turn into financial crises, dealing a blow to the real economy.

My wife, well she has extensive experience, because before becoming the first lady, she was the wife of the CEO of a large conglomerate. So I have very high hopes that she will carry out her job successfully as first lady of the Republic of Korea.

My success will be remembered by others. I don't have to constantly remind myself. However, I must always remember my failure, for if I forget them, I am bound to myself.

The North Koreans have gained, or bought, a lot of time through the six-party-talks framework to pursue their own agenda.

I'm well aware of the people's wishes.

I think within Japan there is talk about how there is the need to reassess the future of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

I've noticed that in the U.S., when the president hits the three-year mark in office, he goes into re-election campaigning.

I know that throughout their history, the people of the United States defended their freedom, their liberty, their justice, and their rights - if need be - with their lives. I think their courage is so admirable.

One of the most important reasons for North Korea continuing its nuclear ambitions is to consolidate the power to stay within the Kim Jong Il family.

I plan to eliminate regulations that hinder domestic companies, particularly large conglomerates from investing in other companies.

I will serve the people in a very humble way.

For us, from Korea's perspective, China is the number one investment destination as well as number one trading partner.

Including myself, the majority of the Korean people believe in this staunch alliance between Korea and the United States and all of us hope that our traditional alliance will be further strengthened in the future.