Prime Minister Kim: "ROK-U.S. Alliance Evolving into a 'Global Pivotal Alliance' to Address Complex Crises"

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated today (June 21) that "the ROK-U.S. alliance is now evolving beyond peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula into a 'global pivotal alliance' that jointly addresses complex global crises."

In his congratulatory speech at the 'ROK-U.S. Friendship and Peace Conference' held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul today, Prime Minister Kim remarked, "The friendship between South Korea and the United States has deep historical roots."

Reflecting on the history of the two nations—from the United States–Korea Treaty of 1882, the U.S. participation in the Korean War, to the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty—the Prime Minister assessed that the alliance has been "a solid pillar that has most firmly protected the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and served as the foundation for economic prosperity."

He continued, "Over the past 70 years, the Republic of Korea has risen from one of the poorest countries in the world to a top-10 global economic power, transitioning from a recipient of aid to the first country in history to become a donor nation." He emphasized, "This miraculous history is the most glorious victory and fruit of the ROK-U.S. alliance."

Furthermore, he noted, "Although South Korea relied on U.S. aid decades ago, the annual trade volume between the two countries now reaches $200 billion. South Korean companies' investments in the U.S. in key future high-tech industries—such as semiconductors, secondary batteries, automobiles, and shipbuilding—are contributing significantly to the dynamism of the U.S. economy." He added, "South Korea has now grown into an irreplaceable partner in enhancing U.S. competitiveness."

"I hope this conference will serve as a milestone that elevates the ties between our two nations to a higher level and reaffirms the value of global solidarity that transcends generations," he added. "I wish for the eternal friendship between the Republic of Korea and the United States."

Meanwhile, Pastor Paula White, a 'faith mentor' and close aide to U.S. President Donald Trump, was scheduled to attend today's event but was unable to do so due to health reasons.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.