AmCham Hosts Special Meeting with Robert Rapson, Charg? d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Korea

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) held a special meeting by inviting Robert Rapson, Charg? d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Korea.

On the 16th, AMCHAM announced that through this meeting, which was broadcast live online from the U.S. Ambassador's residence on the 15th, they held a broad discussion with Charg? d'Affaires Rapson on official topics such as the immediate challenges facing the Korea-U.S. cooperative relationship and future prospects, as well as personal experiences dating back to his first assignment in Korea in 1984 when he served as Vice Consul at the U.S. Consulate in Busan. At this event, Charg? d'Affaires Rapson also shared his goals as the Charg? d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Korea.

Through a roundtable discussion with James Kim, Chairman and CEO of AMCHAM, Charg? d'Affaires Rapson emphasized that the importance of the Korea-U.S. partnership will only grow amid challenging circumstances marked by significant changes such as the renegotiation of the Korea-U.S. FTA and the COVID-19 pandemic.

James Kim, Chairman and CEO, said, "It is an honor to share the valuable experiences and insights gained from Charg? d'Affaires Robert Rapson's distinguished career here today," adding, "As a true expert in his field, he can offer broad perspectives related to the Korea-U.S. relationship and key issues."

Additionally, Charg? d'Affaires Rapson stated, "I will continue to cooperate closely through ongoing communication with the global business community, and lastly, I would like to express my gratitude for the long-standing close relationship maintained between the U.S. Embassy in Korea and AMCHAM."

Having started his duties as Charg? d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Korea on January 20, he will serve in this role until the new U.S. Ambassador is appointed. Prior to this, Rapson served as Deputy Chief of Mission (Deputy Ambassador) at the U.S. Embassy in Korea from 2018 to 2021, and from 2015 to 2018, he served as Deputy Political Counselor and Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Japan.