Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell met today with Republic of Korea (ROK) First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun in Washington, reaffirming the United States’ unwavering support for South Korea’s democracy and its people amid the country’s recent political developments.
In their meeting, Deputy Secretary Campbell emphasized that the U.S. commitment to the U.S.-ROK Alliance remains “ironclad,” underscoring the enduring strength of the partnership between the two nations. The discussions focused on a range of issues, including regional security, economic cooperation, and mutual efforts to address the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strong Support for South Korea’s Democracy and Stability
In a statement following the meeting, Deputy Secretary Campbell expressed strong U.S. support for the Republic of Korea and its citizens. He praised South Korea’s democratic resilience and underscored that the U.S. will continue to stand with South Korea as it navigates a period of political transition. This comes in the wake of leadership changes following recent political developments in Seoul.
“Let me be clear: the United States’ commitment to the U.S.-ROK alliance is ironclad,” Campbell said. “We deeply value our partnership with South Korea and remain firmly supportive of the people of South Korea and their democratic institutions.”
Campbell also highlighted the tremendous progress made in U.S.-ROK relations in recent years, noting that the alliance has grown stronger and more multifaceted. He praised the ongoing collaboration between the two nations in areas ranging from defense and security to economic growth and innovation.
Working with Acting President Han and Future Collaboration
During their meeting, both Campbell and Vice Foreign Minister Kim acknowledged the challenges of South Korea’s political transition but expressed confidence that the country’s democratic institutions would continue to operate smoothly under the leadership of Acting President Han Duck-soo.
Deputy Secretary Campbell stressed that the United States looks forward to working closely with Acting President Han to continue advancing shared priorities between the two countries. “We look forward to working with Acting President Han on the full range of our shared interests,” Campbell said, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to continue fostering closer bilateral ties and addressing global challenges together.
Continued Focus on Regional Security
The discussion also touched on regional security issues, including the ongoing threat posed by North Korea. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together to strengthen deterrence against North Korean provocations, ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
“We remain deeply committed to South Korea’s security, and we will continue to work closely to address any threats in the region, including those posed by North Korea,” Campbell noted.
A Promising Future for U.S.-ROK Relations
The meeting between Deputy Secretary Campbell and Vice Foreign Minister Kim highlighted the importance of continued engagement between the two countries. The U.S.-ROK alliance remains a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and both nations are dedicated to deepening their cooperation in the coming years.
In closing, Campbell expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-ROK relations, saying that both countries will continue to build on their progress and work together to address the most pressing global challenges.
As the U.S. and South Korea move forward together, their partnership remains stronger than ever, underpinned by shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to advancing peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.