President Moon Meets with US Ambassador Harris: "Leaving with Good Memories of Korea"

Harris, U.S. Ambassador to Korea, Visits Blue House Before Departure... "Requests Continued Interest and Support for the Korea-U.S. Alliance"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the 19th, President Moon Jae-in met with Harry Harris, the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, and exchanged well wishes. Ambassador Harris said he is leaving with fond memories of Korea.

Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok stated, "President Moon reflected on the past two and a half years as dynamic and said that time has already passed quickly, leading to this farewell," adding, "President Moon evaluated the close cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. over approximately two and a half years since Ambassador Harris’s appointment in working toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace, and requested continued interest and support for the Korea-U.S. alliance even after his departure.

Ambassador Harris conveyed that he is leaving with good memories of Korea and the friendships he formed with the Korean people.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Kang said, "Ambassador Harris highlighted two main achievements during his tenure. 'Highlight' is Ambassador Harris’s own term," and added, "one was his role in North Korea-U.S. relations, and the other was the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Korean War.

Ambassador Harris expressed that he was deeply moved by how Korea honors veterans from around the world, including the United States.

Spokesperson Kang explained, "When the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic a year ago, Ambassador Harris was pleased to witness firsthand how an innovative country like Korea responded to the virus, conducted elections, and cared for its citizens, saying it was an experience he would never forget," and added, "He also said that the Korea-U.S. alliance will continue to grow not only as a military alliance but also through shared values and interests in culture, science, and technology.

President Moon expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Harris and personally noted that his visit to Geoje Island to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Hungnam evacuation operation and his laying of flowers at the memorial was impressive.

Spokesperson Kang said, "Ambassador Harris visited Geoje Island in October last year. President Moon stated that he will closely cooperate with the new U.S. administration to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance and advance the peace process on the Korean Peninsula," and added, "at the conclusion of the meeting, President Moon gave Ambassador Harris, who is leaving Korea in two days, a gift of Andong Soju, regretting that they did not have the opportunity to share a drink together.

Meanwhile, a senior Blue House official said regarding the inauguration of the Biden U.S. administration, "There are plans to send a congratulatory message."