Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha: 'Securing U.S. Support for North Korea Policy Through Close Communication'
Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha to the United States has stated that she will secure U.S. support for South Korea's North Korea policy through close communication between the two countries. In her first meeting with correspondents since assuming her post in early October, Ambassador Kang explained the efforts of both governments to advance the Korean Peninsula peace process. She stated, "Our government will continue to work closely with the United States as a peace maker and pace maker to ensure that conditions are ripe for inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea dialogue." Ambassador Kang's remarks came shortly after the successful reciprocal visits between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and the U.S. President in late October. At that time, the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields such as trade, commerce, and security, which was assessed as an example of the strong ROK-U.S. alliance.
Ambassador Kang emphasized that close cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. is essential, especially regarding North Korea policy. She mentioned, "It is important to increase understanding of and secure support for South Korea's North Korea policy through communication with the United States," and stated that she will continue to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the future. Furthermore, Ambassador Kang stated that efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea will continue. She added, "We will make every effort to create conditions for inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea dialogue," and "We will continue diplomatic efforts to build peace on the Korean Peninsula."
Meanwhile, in October, she held a meeting with UAE Crown Prince Khalid bin Mohammed Al Nahyan in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, solidifying the friendly relationship between the two countries. At the time, President Lee expressed his intention to further develop the cooperative relationship with the UAE. Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, was appointed as a special envoy of the President and visited the UAE on the 13th to deliver President Lee Jae-myung's personal letter to President Al Nahyan. This is part of the effort to maintain close communication and further strengthen cooperative relations between the two countries.
On the 18th, President Lee held an expanded summit meeting with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to conduct in-depth discussions on ways to develop relations between the two countries. At this meeting, the two leaders agreed to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields. On the same day, South Korea and the UAE signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) in Abu Dhabi on nuclear power, AI, and other fields. This is assessed as having laid the foundation for future-oriented cooperation between the two countries. President Lee mentioned the UAE as a 'base camp' for South Korea's entry into the Middle East and Arab regions at a meeting with Koreans in Abu Dhabi on the 17th, emphasizing the strategic importance of the UAE. He expressed his expectation that South Korea will be able to operate more actively in the Middle East through cooperation with the UAE.
