In a warm welcome to South Korean officials, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell today expressed unwavering confidence in the strength of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, particularly amid recent political changes in Seoul. Deputy Secretary Campbell met with First Vice Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK), Kim Hong Kyun, at the U.S. State Department for high-level consultations on the future of bilateral relations.
During the brief remarks before their closed-door discussions, Deputy Secretary Campbell praised South Korea’s democratic resilience, highlighting the continued commitment of the United States to the ROK’s political stability. The Deputy Secretary acknowledged the significant political transition in South Korea following recent leadership changes but emphasized that governance under Acting President Han Duck-soo remains stable, and the country’s democratic institutions are functioning in accordance with constitutional procedures.
“We have full confidence in the Republic of Korea and its democratic processes,” Campbell said. “The United States stands firmly with the people of South Korea, and we are committed to ensuring that our strong partnership remains robust and resolute in these critical times.”
Continued Strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance
The U.S.-ROK alliance has long been a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Despite recent political changes, Deputy Secretary Campbell reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for South Korea’s democratic values and governance. This, he noted, is reflected in the continued communication and collaboration between the U.S. and South Korean governments.
Vice Foreign Minister Kim expressed appreciation for the United States’ steadfast support throughout South Korea’s recent political developments. He reassured the U.S. that South Korea’s governance under Acting President Han Duck-soo is operating stably, with full adherence to democratic procedures and rule of law. “What will unfold in Korea from now on will follow the democratic procedure in accordance with the constitution and the rule of law,” Kim said, emphasizing that South Korea’s institutions remain strong and fully operational.
Both officials stressed the importance of maintaining the close partnership between the two nations as they work together on regional security, economic cooperation, and broader international challenges. “We are looking forward to strengthening our alliance further and building upon the achievements we have made so far, not just during the remainder of the Biden administration but also with the incoming U.S. administration,” Kim said.
Focus on Regional Cooperation and North Korea
The two leaders also briefly touched on ongoing regional security concerns, particularly regarding North Korea’s actions. While not addressing specifics in their public remarks, Campbell and Kim both highlighted the critical need for continued U.S.-ROK cooperation in the face of North Korean provocations and regional instability. Deputy Secretary Campbell emphasized that such discussions would be central to the meeting, particularly in light of ongoing security challenges posed by Pyongyang.
“We will continue to ensure that the critical mechanisms in the U.S.-ROK relationship remain strong, and we will discuss ways to further enhance our coordination on North Korea, as well as other pressing regional issues,” Campbell said.
Strengthening the U.S.-ROK Relationship Moving Forward
The meeting between Deputy Secretary Campbell and Vice Foreign Minister Kim was part of a broader effort to reinforce the enduring U.S.-South Korea alliance, which remains a vital component of U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific region. In their discussions, both sides expressed commitment to continuing close consultations on security matters, economic partnerships, and efforts to address the complex geopolitical environment in East Asia.
The U.S. and South Korea share common interests in promoting peace, security, and prosperity across the region. As both countries navigate ongoing challenges and transitions, they remain united in their pursuit of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future.
As their meeting concluded, both officials expressed optimism about the future of the U.S.-ROK partnership and pledged to continue strengthening their bilateral cooperation. “We look forward to our continued collaboration as we work to face the challenges ahead together,” Deputy Secretary Campbell concluded.
This meeting signals the ongoing importance of the U.S.-South Korea relationship as both countries continue to strengthen their ties in the face of evolving political, security, and economic challenges. With an eye on the future, both governments remain focused on maintaining a strong, resilient partnership to tackle the region’s most pressing issues.