SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Stronger self-defense capabilities do not conflict with a deeper alliance with the United States, ruling Democratic Party (DP) leader Kim Min-seok told U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel on Tuesday.
“The United States has been a reliable neighbor throughout South Korea's modernization, democratization and industrialization,” Kim told the U.S. envoy during their first meeting at the National Assembly since her arrival in late July.
“I believe that the process of South Korea building its own capabilities does not contradict the deepening of its alliance with the United States.”
Kim also expressed hope for progress in relations between Washington and Pyongyang, saying improved U.S.-North Korea ties could contribute to peace and progress on the Korean Peninsula.
Steel said South Korea has emerged as a major player on the global stage and voiced hope for cooperation with Kim and the DP to strengthen the alliance and expand Seoul's international role.
Kim's remarks came about a week after he told the National Assembly that South Korea could no longer rely solely on the United States and should strengthen its independent diplomatic and security capabilities as the regional security environment changes.
Steel, a Korean-born former two-term U.S. congresswoman from California, arrived in South Korea on July 30 to take up her post. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June and is the second Korean American to serve as Washington's ambassador to Seoul.
AJP Takeaways
- DP leader Kim Min-seok says stronger South Korean self-defense capabilities can coexist with a deeper U.S. alliance.
- Kim tells U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel that improved U.S.-North Korea ties could support peace on the Korean Peninsula.
- Steel says South Korea has become a major global player and calls for closer cooperation to strengthen the alliance.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
