Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, expressed his intention to enhance the Korea-U.S. alliance through collaboration with President Lee Jae-myung on the 13th (local time).
Minister Rubio expressed his eagerness to collaborate with President Lee Jae-myung and his administration to advance the solid Korea-U.S. alliance in a statement announcing the 'Korean National Holiday (Liberation Day)' ahead of Korea's Liberation Day, stating, 'As an indispensable ally, we will expand prosperity and confront urgent global security challenges.'
The 'urgent global security challenges' he mentioned are interpreted to include the North Korean nuclear and missile threats, as well as the potential for China's attempts to change the status quo in the region.
Minister Rubio noted, 'For over 70 years, the United States and Korea have strengthened their alliance based on common values and mutual benefits,' adding, 'I am proud to stand with Korea, which has grown into a resilient democracy and a valuable economic partner.'
He also added, 'On behalf of the U.S. government, I extend sincere congratulations to Koreans celebrating the national holiday.'
Minister Rubio, who also serves as the acting national security advisor at the White House, did not directly mention the Korea-U.S. summit in his statement, but it is interpreted as reaffirming the Trump administration's emphasis on the bilateral relationship ahead of the Korea-U.S. summit scheduled for the 25th at the White House.