14 December, 2009
Members of the Korea-US Club,
Distinguished Guests,
I would like to thank Chairman Bong Du-wan and other members of the Korea-US Club for organizing this wonderful dinner and inviting me to offer a few words. As we look back on the year 2009, I am pleased to say that the Korea-US relationship has enjoyed a truly promising year. Indeed, we witnessed several landmark developments in the evolution of our strategic alliance, including the three summits between President Lee and President Obama in London, Washington and Seoul, which have ensured closer mutual coordination and cooperation than ever on many important issues of mutual interests.
In particular, at the June summit in Washington, two Presidents adopted "the Joint Vision for the Alliance." The Joint Vision envisages broader scope of cooperation between our two countries across the full range of security, political, economic, social and cultural areas on the Peninsula and beyond, based upon robust allied security posture including the extended deterrence.
At last month's meeting, which was held during President Obama's first visit to Seoul, the two presidents agreed to further develop our partnership into an exemplar of a 21st century strategic alliance. The two leaders agreed to advance the "grand bargain" to realize North Korea's complete and verifiable denuclearization, work together to move forward the KORUS FTA, and consult closely for the success of the Seoul G20 summit next November.
And, they also announced to hold the "2+2 Meeting," namely, Foreign and Defense Ministerial-level consultations next year, which marks the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War that gave birth to this very alliance.
Distinguished guests,
As with any other relationship, a healthy alliance requires constant attention and support, especially those of the public and the media. I need not remind this particular audience about the importance of the press and public opinion, but allow me to cite the wise words of Joseph Pulitzer, who once said, “Our republic and its press will rise or fall together.”
It is groups and people like the Korea-US Club and its members that help the allied partnership between our two countries stand strong with more solid public supports.
So, looking ahead to 2010, I am confident, thanks to you, ladies and gentlemen, that we will see yet another promising year, and I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Korea-US Club for its tireless commitment to our allied partnership.
With that, distinguished guests,
Please raise your glasses and join me in a toast to the everlasting friendship and cooperation between Korea and the United States, and to the continued health and success of everyone here.
Cheers!
