Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade hosted a forum presided over by President Lee Myung-bak, featuring three sessions. Discussions ranged from ways to promote peace and stability on the Korean peninsula to overcoming the global financial crisis and how to achieve green growth.

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen praised Korea's achievements -- but said North Korea is still impoverished and needs continued aid.

During the break, Cohen said Korean-U.S. security relations will remain unchanged after the U.S. presidential election. "Regardless of who is elected president, Obama or McCain, the security relationship will remain the same. The United States recognizes that stability and security for South Korea and the entire peninsula has a regional impact."

Former British Prime Minister John Major shared his hopes for a peaceful reunification of the two Koreas, but showed concern over economic pressures on the South. "Based on Korea’s achievements over the past 60 years, anything is possible,” said Major. “I, for one, have confidence that Korea will be able to continue to improve both its status in the international community and the lifestyle of it citizens -- in both the South and North."

Alan Heeger, a Nobel Prize laureate in chemistry, emphasized the importance of renewable energy and showed his expectations for Korea's role in improving the environment. "Korea has demonstrated in the past, a remarkable ability to take technology and use it to create new products. This is what we need in the area of renewable energy,” he said.

Meanwhile, economics laureate Robert Mundell called for more discipline over international reserves to overcome the financial crisis, and shared his thoughts on how long economic stagnation will continue. “I think the turmoil will last another few months, but the U.S. economy is gradually recovering, which makes me optimistic about recovery."

President Lee also touched on the crisis, saying the won-dollar swap agreement settled Thursday is a prime example of international collaboration towards economic revival.

Arirang News