Yoon's State Visit to the U.S. at the End of April... "70th Anniversary of Alliance, Cooperation Plan to be Derived" (Comprehensive)

Eunhye Kim, Chief of Public Relations: "In-depth Discussions on Defense, Technology, and Economy"
White House: "Emphasizing the United States' Unwavering Commitment to Korea"

President Yoon Suk-yeol will make a state visit to the United States at the end of April. This marks the first state visit by a South Korean president to the U.S. in 12 years since 2011, and President Yoon will be the second state guest to visit the U.S. since the Biden administration took office.

Kim Eun-hye, the chief spokesperson for the Presidential Office, explained in a written briefing on the 7th, "President Yoon's state visit to the U.S. is taking place in a historic year marking the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance."

President Yoon and President Biden are scheduled to hold a summit and participate in various events, including a state dinner planned for the 26th of next month. Chief Spokesperson Kim stated, "It is expected that they will celebrate the achievements accumulated over 70 years of the Korea-U.S. alliance and engage in in-depth discussions on the future development direction of the alliance." She added, "In particular, based on the discussions held during the Korea-U.S. summits in May and November last year, they are expected to derive concrete and practical cooperation measures in various fields, including combined defense posture and extended deterrence, future advanced technology and economic security, cultural and human exchanges, as well as regional and international challenges."

She further emphasized, "President Yoon's state visit to the U.S. will serve as a historic turning point for the Korea-U.S. alliance to evolve more proactively in response to rapidly changing international circumstances and future uncertainties." She added, "Through this, it is anticipated that a 'strong and active alliance' will be realized, one that protects the lives and safety of the peoples of both countries, upholds core values, and advances toward the prosperity of future generations."

Earlier, the White House issued a statement under the name of Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, announcing, "President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will welcome President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who will visit the U.S. as state guests on April 26." The statement also revealed that the state visit will include a state dinner.

Press Secretary Jean-Pierre said, "This visit commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance, which is important for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Korea, the Indo-Pacific, and around the world." She added, "The two leaders will emphasize the importance and enduring strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance and the United States' unwavering commitment to South Korea." She further noted, "The two leaders will discuss our shared resolve to deepen and expand political, economic, security, and human ties."

The state visit, which is the highest level of protocol for visiting foreign leaders, includes a summit, an official welcoming ceremony with a guard of honor, a gun salute, a state dinner, and high-level welcoming and farewell ceremonies. The Blair House, the official guest residence, will be provided as accommodation. Since President Biden took office in January 2021, the only foreign leader to have made a state visit to the U.S. was French President Emmanuel Macron in December last year.

South Korean presidents have made a total of six state visits to the U.S. to date: President Syngman Rhee in 1954, President Park Chung-hee in 1965, President Roh Tae-woo in 1991, President Kim Young-sam in 1995, President Kim Dae-jung in 1998, and President Lee Myung-bak in 2011.