President Kim Dae-jung invited 215 maritime policemen and fisheries officials to a luncheon at Chong Wa Dae Tuesday.
During the luncheon, Kim praised the efforts of his guests in maintaining law and order on the seas and protecting Korean sovereignty.
The head of state asked them to continue to do their best in preventing illegal fishing, piracy and smuggling.
He also emphasized the protection of fishermen's interests and maritime resources, especially since the Korea-Sino fisheries pact goes into effect on Saturday.