Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister of National Defense, Suh Wook delivers a congratulatory address in ROK-US Alliance Forum: “ROK-US alliance is evolving and developing into a great alliance”

Suh expressed thanks to US Ambassador to the ROK Harris as he left his office, saying the “ROK-US alliance is the most powerful and exemplary alliance in the history of mankind”

On January 19, Minister of National Defense Suh Wook pledged to move toward a new future for the alliance between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States (US), by closely consulting with the Biden administration about pending alliance issues as well as ROK security cooperation.

Suh made the announcement in his congratulatory address at the eighth ROK-US alliance forum, co-hosted by the Korea-US Alliance Foundation (KUSAF) and Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) on Tuesday, saying that “The ROK-US alliance we enjoy today has evolved and developed into a great alliance with broader horizons, including preparation against non-traditional security threats and global cooperation.”

Suh also explained that the ROK-US alliance has been playing a key role in bilateral development by maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula for nearly 70 years, stressing that “The ROK-US alliance is the most powerful and exemplary alliance in the history of mankind.”

In the midst of the COVID-19 situation, Tuesday’s forum was held to support the development of the ROK-US alliance. The forum was attended by several key officials, including President of KUSAF Jung Seung-jo, Chairperson of the National Defense Committee Min Hong-cheol, President of KDVA Vincent Brooks, Commander of the Combined Forces Command Robert Abrams, via zoom live-stream.

Suh also expressed his respect and gratitude to US ambassador Harry Harris as he leaves Korea, for all of his work to support bilateral development over the past two and half years.

“Ambassador Harris is a ‘symbol of the firm ROK-US alliance’ and a ‘family member of the ROK.’ He played a key role in strengthening the ROK-US alliance amid a historic period of upheaval, in which the two countries tried to build a new peace on the Korean Peninsula,” Suh said. “Ambassador Harris also strived to let the ROK-US alliance spur our overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to promote K-quarantine worldwide,” Suh continued, stressing “He greatly contributed to strengthening the ROK-US combined defense posture, as well as to denuclearization and the settlement of a permanent peace on the peninsula.”

“I am certain that Ambassador Harris’ devotion will go down in the history of our alliance as a ‘symbol of the firm ROK-US alliance,’” Suh said. “Remembering his e-x-p-r-e-s-s-i-o-n of ‘love for Korea’ by enjoying Makgeolli at a small pub and making Kimchi, he will be long remembered as a ‘family member of the ROK.’”

Ending his address, Suh expressed his thanks to Ambassador Harris, who had devoted himself to the development of the ROK, following in the footsteps of his father who had participated in the Korean War, and to his family members including his wife Bruni. “I ask for his steadfast love for Korea even after he returns to his homeland, and I look forward to maintaining the relationship for the ROK-US alliance through various opportunities,” Suh said.

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr>

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