South Korea will bestow its highest national honor, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, on U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to the country on Wednesday and present him with a replica of an ancient golden crown, the presidential office announced.
Trump arrived in Seoul on the final stop of his Asia tour, which has included visits to Malaysia and Japan, with major trade and diplomatic talks expected with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
His arrival was marked by a full display of ceremony, including a South Korean military band performing “YMCA” and a gun salute as U.S. and South Korean fighter jets escorted Air Force One into the country.
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa, named after South Korea’s national flower, the hibiscus mugunghwa, or Rose of Sharon, is reserved for heads of state and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to national prestige or international peace.
Lee’s office said Trump was being recognized for his “role as a peacemaker on the Korean Peninsula,” citing his efforts to engage North Korea in dialogue during his first term.
As part of the ceremony, Trump will receive a replica of the gold crown from Cheonmachong, a royal tomb in Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom. The intricate crown, adorned with upright gold prongs and hanging leaf-shaped ornaments, symbolizes peace and prosperity.
“This symbolizes a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula that the United States and South Korea will work together to achieve,” Lee’s office said.
Trump and Lee are scheduled to tour Gyeongju’s historical sites before holding a working lunch, which will feature Thousand Island dressing, a nod to Trump’s New York roots, alongside traditional Korean dishes tailored to his preferences.
Later in the evening, Trump will join the leaders of Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Thailand, and Singapore for a special dinner.
Diplomatic sources said several leaders adjusted their schedules to meet with Trump, who will depart South Korea before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit convenes later in the week.
Trump, who renewed his offer to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit, has yet to receive a response from Pyongyang.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
