S. Korean Prime Minister Hwang says Korea will help 'global efforts to fight against polio'

SEOUL, May 29 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government will work toward eradicating polio, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said at an international event Sunday.

In a welcoming speech at the Rotary International Convention 2016, he said, "The government will support global efforts to fight against polio," adding, "Korea, a former aid recipient but now a giver, is contributing to global prosperity.

"We will share our experiences on economic development and will help global neighbors who are suffering in various fields, such as medical, welfare and education," he said.

The global event is taking place from May 28 to June 1 at the Korea International Exhibition & Convention Center (Kintex) in Goyang, a suburb of Seoul.

Eliminating polio is one of the most important projects of the Rotary, which has spent US$1.5 billion on the effort since 1985.

"Korea has grown rapidly inside the organization, becoming the fourth-largest member now and has been engaged in various volunteer works. We hope to expand the areas of our work within the organization," Hwang said.

Rotary International, founded in 1905, is the world's first private volunteer organization. With 1.23 million members globally, it works toward ending poverty, combating infectious diseases and illiteracy, and developing next-generation leaders around the world.

jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
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