Blinken Returns to South Korea After 4 Months
President Yoon Suk-yeol is greeting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken before attending the opening ceremony of the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of the Democracy Summit at the Shilla Hotel's State Guesthouse in Seoul on the 18th. [Photo by Yonhap News]
President Yoon Suk-yeol met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the morning of the 18th, who is visiting Korea to attend the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of the Democracy Summit, the presidential office announced.
President Yoon welcomed Secretary Blinken, who returned to Korea after four months since his visit in November last year, and evaluated that the recent active high-level exchanges, including mutual visits between the foreign ministers of Korea and the U.S., well demonstrate the solidification of the Korea-U.S. alliance, which has evolved into a 'global comprehensive strategic alliance.'
Secretary Blinken said, "The Korea-U.S. relationship is stronger than ever," and added, "We will actively implement the achievements made through President Yoon's state visit to the U.S. last year and the Korea-U.S.-Japan summit at Camp David throughout this year."
He also stated, "The United States will always stand with Korea in firm response to North Korean provocations and for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," and proposed, "Let us continue close coordination and communication between Korea and the U.S. while steadily strengthening extended deterrence."
President Yoon said, "The Korea-U.S. alliance is stronger as a 'value alliance' because it shares a belief in liberal democracy," and added, "In line with the theme of this summit, 'Democracy for the Future Generations,' let us closely cooperate to pass on better democracy to future generations."
Secretary Blinken conveyed, "President Joe Biden especially appreciates Korea hosting this Democracy Summit," and expressed confidence that "the Korea-U.S. alliance, based on universal values, will do more as a global alliance for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world."
The presidential office also stated that Secretary Blinken conveyed President Biden's special regards to President Yoon.
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