Kang Kyung-wha, South Korea's ambassador to the United States, emphasized that maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is a top priority for the government. She stated that the South Korean government will actively work to create conditions for building trust and resuming dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea.
In a welcoming speech at a reception for Korea's National Day and Armed Forces Day held on September 29 in Washington, D.C., Kang said, "Maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is our government's top priority," adding that they are continuously collaborating closely with the U.S. regarding North Korea policy.
Kang noted that the South Korean government is closely monitoring recent messages from President Donald Trump expressing a willingness to resume dialogue with North Korea.
"As a direct stakeholder, the South Korean government will play an active role as a facilitator, creating conditions for constructive discussions that can lead to trust-building and the resumption of dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea," she emphasized.
She also mentioned that if U.S.-North Korea dialogue resumes, it would lay the groundwork for broader cooperation involving related countries. Ultimately, she stated, the goal is to "end the war, transition to a peace regime, and achieve complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."
Regarding the South Korea-U.S. alliance, Kang explained that they aim to complete the transition of wartime operational control based on conditions while maintaining a robust combined defense posture, viewing this as a key milestone in modernizing the alliance.
In the economic sector, she noted that a $350 billion investment commitment in U.S. strategic industries has entered the specific project selection phase, which will enhance "joint prosperity and future industries for both countries."
On the situation in the Middle East, she expressed the intention to closely cooperate with the U.S. and the international community to restore freedom of navigation and safety in the Strait of Hormuz and to seek practical contributions.
The event was attended by U.S. officials, including John No, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, David Wilezol, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Japan and Korea, Senator Andy Kim, and Representative Joe Wilson.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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