Biden: "Cooperating for the Advancement of Democracy... Proud to Pass the Summit to Korea"

Held in South Korea, Virtual Attendance at Democracy Summit
"Increasing Number of Countries Joining Statement on Commercial Spyware"

U.S. President Joe Biden on the 20th stated, "As history has proven, a government of the people, by the people, for the people is the greatest tool for human progress," and proposed, "Let us revive democracy and continue to cooperate globally for the advancement of democracy worldwide."

President Biden attended the 3rd Summit for Democracy held at the Blue House State Guesthouse via video conference and said, "A strong democracy is realized through the efforts of all people and benefits everyone."

On this day, President Biden drew attention by quoting a phrase from a speech by one of the former U.S. presidents, Abraham Lincoln.

President Biden said, "Let us work together to protect freedom of the press, eradicate corruption, ensure free and fair elections, and promote equality," adding, "I thank all of you for reaffirming that democracy exists for the people and that democratic nations have come together to protect rights and uphold universal values."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Furthermore, President Biden emphasized, "Through this summit, the number of countries joining the historic joint statement on commercial spyware has increased," and "The United States is expanding international coalitions to respond to such threats."

He also highlighted the significance of strengthening global cooperation as the Summit for Democracy progresses. President Biden stated, "At the 1st Summit, governments from 100 countries announced 750 concrete commitments to promote democracy. The 2nd Summit invited more stakeholders, including youth, NGOs, and the private sector," adding, "At the 3rd Summit, we are focusing on the future."

President Biden said, "Since the last summit, we have gathered U.S. AI companies to secure voluntary commitments for the safe and trustworthy development of AI and signed an executive order to promote human rights in AI design."

He also explained, "We have taken unprecedented measures to respond to the misuse and abuse of commercial spyware," and "We have implemented sanctions and export controls on organizations and institutions that surveil human rights activists and journalists worldwide. We announced visa restrictions on individuals involved in the malicious use of new technologies or who profit financially from such activities."

President Biden also expressed gratitude to President Yoon Suk-yeol. He said, "I appreciate President Yoon's leadership and thank him for hosting the Summit for Democracy," adding, "The United States is proud to pass the baton of this summit to Korea."