President Park Geun-hye said Tuesday she will draw on the talents of Koreans living abroad to create a more competitive South Korea in the world.

Park made the remarks in a meeting with representatives of Korean communities across the world, emphasizing that her vision for "happiness of the people" includes also the millions of Koreans living overseas.

"I'm going to build a strong South Korea that can boldly compete in the world," she said at the meeting at a Seoul hotel.

"(I) will provide ample opportunities for our compatriots across the world with global minds and outstanding abilities to contribute to the development of their motherland."

  Park thanked overseas Koreans for their dedication and love for their country, saying their contributions helped South Korea grow as a member of the international community.

   "The new government's four administrative principles of economic revival, people's happiness, cultural prosperity and peaceful reunification (of the Koreas) can be achieved only through the joint efforts of the people and the 7 million compatriots working actively on the global stage," she said.  (Yonhap News)