Lee Jae-myung: "Korea-US Alliance to Develop Beyond Military and Economy to Include Human Rights and Environment"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 23rd, "The ROK-US alliance has so far expanded from a military alliance to an economic and technological alliance, and going forward, it will develop into a comprehensive alliance including human rights and environmental fields."

Lee made these remarks on the afternoon of the same day during a meeting with Philip Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Ambassador Goldberg is scheduled to retire from his post in January next year.

Lee said, "The current turmoil that the Republic of Korea is experiencing will empirically demonstrate to the world the value of democracy and the strength of the liberal democratic camp, and through this process, I believe the ROK-US relationship will become stronger and further develop."

Ambassador Goldberg responded, "I find it encouraging that in recent weeks, the National Assembly, its members, and the Speaker have played a key role in upholding democracy and constitutional procedures, as well as leading national discussions on several urgent issues facing Korea," adding, "Visiting the National Assembly once again reminds me of how important that role is in demonstrating Korea's democratic resilience."

He continued, "I plan to meet with the leadership of both ruling and opposition parties to discuss the shared interests, goals, and values of the two countries," and said, "Above all, I will reaffirm the United States' ironclad commitment to the ROK-US alliance, which has guaranteed peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and beyond for over 70 years."

Yonhap News