President Park Geun-hye met Howard "Buck" McKeon, chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, and his delegation at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on August 8. They exchanged views on the Korea-U.S. alliance and on the political situation on the Korean Peninsula and across Northeast Asia.

"The political situation on the Korean Peninsula and across Northeast Asia has recently become more volatile and bilateral cooperation is more necessary than ever," Park said. "The Korea-U.S. alliance is now in its best condition in history."


"Some people doubt the sustainability of the U.S. commitment to its 'pivot to Asia,' but our commitment is solid as is the pledge of our committee and the House to President Park and to the Korea-U.S. alliance," said McKeon.

Speaking of the recently heightened North Korea threat, President Park said, "The best way to prevent North Korea from misjudging the situation is to show close bilateral cooperation. In April, leaders of the two nations visited the Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command together for the first time and sent the message that we will not tolerate North Korean aggression."

"Even if we talk about non-proliferation in North Korea, only the North's acts of sincerity could lead to any meaningful dialogue. We are closely discussing the issue with neighboring countries."

Highly appreciating the South Korean government's efforts to prepare for reunification, McKeon said, "Reunification can happen suddenly, like it did in Germany. Reunification could be burdensome for the South Korean public over the short term, but ultimately, it will be beneficial to both South and North Koreas, as well as to the region."

Speaking of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, President Park said, "The bilateral FTA has been effective for over two years and it is important to develop it in a way in which the public can feel the benefits. When a sufficient quota of professional visas is secured, and human exchanges increase, people of both countries will be able to feel the benefits," she said, asking for support of committee members concerning related legislation.

By Limb Jae-un
Korea.net Staff Writer
jun2@korea.kr