Queen of England invites Park to pay a visit

President Park Geun-hye has accepted an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to pay a state visit to the United Kingdom later this year, the Blue House said yesterday.

According to the presidential spokeswoman Kim Haing, the visit will take place in autumn.

“This year marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic establishment between Korea and England,” Kim said. “And the visit reflects the close friendship and cooperative ties between the two countries.”

Kim said the specific date of the visit will be announced at an appropriate time and the two sides are currently discussing details of the trip. Park will stay at Buckingham Palace during her state visit, Kim said.

The Blue House is reviewing the possibility of adding other European countries on Park’s itinerary, Kim added.

By Ser Myo-ja [myoja@joongang.co.kr ]