President Lee Jae-myung held a dinner meeting with key opinion leaders in the fields of diplomacy, security, and trade, including current and former U.S. legislators, the Secretary of Defense, National Security Advisors, and trade representatives on the 25th (local time).
The dinner meeting took place following a public policy speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). During the meeting, in-depth opinions were exchanged on ways to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance, the Korea-Japan relationship, North Korean issues, and international affairs.
Seventeen U.S. figures attended the meeting, including Representative Don Beyer, former Senators Chris Dodd and Rob Portman, former U.S. Trade Representative Carla Hills, former Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert, former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Sung Kim, and CSIS Director General John Hamre.
President Lee emphasized that the Korea-U.S. alliance has been the cornerstone of diplomatic policy for the past 70 years. He also noted that the alliance between the two countries will continue to develop into a 'future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance' based on national interests and practical benefits.
He also evaluated that the mutual support of the citizens of both countries became a strength that can sustain the Korea-U.S. alliance regardless of changes in government. While emphasizing the enhancement of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, he urged that U.S. opinion leaders also actively contribute.
Participants responded that the successful resumption of summit diplomacy, which had been suspended for a while, through President Lee's visit to the U.S. indicates that the Korea-U.S. alliance will further develop based on bonds and trust.
He praised President Lee for enhancing Korea's willingness to develop Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation, such as holding a Korea-Japan summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Japan prior to his visit to the U.S. It is evaluated that the efforts of the South Korean government will serve as a model for other U.S. allies and friendly nations.