Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA

Greetings; I am Hyundong Cho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States.

Last year, as we marked the seventieth anniversary of the linchpin of our bilateral diplomacy, the ROK-US Alliance, we expanded it to become a Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance, and through "The Washington Declaration," we elevated it to be a 'nuclear-based' military alliance. We also expanded the Alliance by strengthening our cooperation in areas like the economy, science and technology, culture, and intelligence.

Last year President Yoon made four separate visits to the United States, which helped shape the Alliance into an "Alliance in Action Towards the Future,' a vision which involves addressing traditional security threats as well as confronting new global challenges like climate change and advanced technology. Our countries share a commitment to stabilize and diversify supply chains, foster an investment-friendly environment, and enhance cooperation in high-tech areas, including cyber, space, and quantum. In addition, the trilateral cooperation between Korea, the United States and Japan, which we solidified at Camp David last August, is playing a leading role in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacfic region.

As we build on the Alliance's seventy years of accomplishments, the Embassy is committed to actively engage as a responsible and contributing member of the international community, reflecting our aspiration of becoming a 'Global Pivotal State.'

First and foremost, the Embassy will exert every effort to ensure coordination between Korea and the United States remains airtight by fostering interactions at many different levels. We will also facilitate the institutionalization of Trilateral cooperation between Korea, the United States and Japan.

As North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities grow, and its unprecedented provocations intensify, we are committed to enhancing our capabilities to jointly address Pyongyang's threats, including by using the effective operationalization of extended deterrence. I will also support our efforts with the United States to achieve the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

Washington D.C. remains at the forefront of economic security and diplomacy. Korean enterprises have significantly increased their U.S. investments, particularly in high tech sectors like batteries, solar, hydrogen, and wind energy. Korean companies achieved a notable milestone in 2023 by registering the highest number of automobile sales in the United States. Remarkably, in December of that same year Korea's monthly exports to the United States surpassed those to China, reasserting the United States as Korea's foremost export destination after two decades. Our robust economic ties with the United States continue to form a resilient foundation for our economy.

The Embassy is committed to navigating the evolving global economic landscape, including dealing with supply chain restructuring and increased competition in the high-tech sector. We will actively engage in addressing emerging challenges and will spare no effort in promoting job creation and strengthening the activities of Korean enterprises.

I am committed to shouldering the responsibility of fostering continuous growth and prosperity in our relations with the United States, including by reinforcing our engagement with the United States Congress, as well as broadening our connections with think tanks and other expert groups. The Embassy will always work diligently towards establishing a robust foundation for the Alliance's continued growth.

In the 120 years since the first Koreans immigrated to the United States, the Korean-American community has evolved into a 2.6 million strong diaspora and a crucial cornerstone of our bilateral relationship. The Korean government inaugurated the Overseas Korean Agency in June 2023, and the Embassy is dedicated to delivering consular services promptly and effectively, protecting the rights and empowerment of the diaspora community.

The trust and friendship between our countries stands stronger than ever. And I, along with the entire Embassy staff, will spare no effort in ensuring the betterment of our bilateral relations.

Thank you.