SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - Kang Kyung-hwa, South Korea's new ambassador to the United States and former foreign minister under the Moon Jae-in administration, began her first day of official duties on Monday (local time), pledging to reinforce the South Korea–U.S. alliance through what she called "pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interest."
At her inauguration ceremony held at the South Korean Embassy in Washington, Kang said the Lee Jae Myung government will continue to uphold a people-centered approach to diplomacy. "Our government is a people-sovereignty administration that places citizens at the center of all policies, pursuing democracy, common sense, and pragmatism to improve people's lives," she said. "That philosophy will also carry over to diplomacy."
Kang said South Korea will pursue a flexible and practical foreign policy to respond to growing global challenges. "There are many complex challenges in the world, but our government will respond swiftly through pragmatic diplomacy that puts national interests first. At the core of that diplomacy lies the South Korea–U.S. alliance," she said.
She emphasized that the alliance has evolved over the past seven decades from a traditional military partnership into what she described as a "comprehensive strategic alliance" built on three main pillars: security, economy, and advanced technology. "We will continue to build on that foundation and strengthen it further," she said.
Kang, who served as South Korea's first female foreign minister from 2017 to 2021, is known for her negotiation skills and steady, principled approach to diplomacy. Her appointment to Washington is seen as a signal that the Lee administration is seeking to stabilize ties with Washington through experienced leadership as regional dynamics shift ahead of major international summits.
Earlier in the day, Kang visited the White House Guest House, where she met Monica Crowley, Chief of Protocol at the U.S. State Department, and presented a copy of her credentials — a process completed just two days after her arrival in Washington on October 4, which the embassy described as unusually swift.
Kang said she intends to serve as "a bridge of communication" between the two governments ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit at the end of the month. "As ambassador on the front line of South Korea–U.S. diplomacy, I will do my utmost to ensure that the relationship continues to move forward in all areas, including President Trump's upcoming visit," she said.
Crowley congratulated Kang on her appointment and said Washington would "make every effort to coordinate closely on all bilateral issues, including preparations for President Trump's visit."
The South Korean Embassy said the prompt delivery of credentials underscored both the significance and urgency of Kang's appointment, highlighting Seoul's commitment to close coordination with Washington ahead of key diplomatic events this month.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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