"South Korea's Elevated Status and Role on the Global Stage" Recognized
Exchange of Views on Strengthening the South Korea-U.S. Alliance, Enhancing Economic Cooperation, and Regional and International Affairs
President Lee Jaemyung met with Senator Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, Illinois) and Senator Andy Kim (Democrat, New Jersey), who are currently visiting South Korea, on the afternoon of August 18. According to the presidential office, they exchanged views on strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance, enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries, and discussed regional and international affairs.
Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, stated in a written briefing, "President Lee emphasized that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is a blood alliance and expressed his intention to further develop it into a 'future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance' that encompasses not only security but also all areas including the economy and advanced science and technology. He also requested that the U.S. Congress play a key role in this process."
In response, the visiting lawmakers reaffirmed that the U.S. Congress's support for the rock-solid South Korea-U.S. alliance is bipartisan. They also expressed hope to further strengthen cooperation with South Korea, a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region, in order to respond to the rapidly changing international landscape. In particular, they noted that President Lee's decision to visit Japan first demonstrates a strong commitment to further strengthening Korea-Japan relations and trilateral cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan, and is expected to further elevate Korea's stature and role on the international stage.
President Lee also expressed anticipation regarding his upcoming visit to the United States and his meeting with President Trump, stating his hope that it would serve as an opportunity to achieve tangible results in various fields, including cooperation on North Korea, in a calm and measured manner. The visiting lawmakers conveyed that there are high expectations in the United States for cooperation with Korea, a global economic powerhouse and leader in advanced technological innovation, and pledged that the U.S. Congress would do its part to ensure that concrete outcomes are achieved across various sectors in the future.
Spokesperson Kang explained, "President Lee and the lawmakers exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, and shared the view on the importance of continued dialogue and engagement based on the strong South Korea-U.S. alliance and close cooperation."
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