'Biden Election' Foreign Ministry: "Efforts to Strengthen the ROK-US Alliance and Advance the Peace Process Through Networks"

Minister Kang Kyung-wha's Visit to the U.S.: Plans to Meet Congress, Think Tanks, and Academia Beyond Secretary Pompeo to Seek Support and Cooperation for the 'Peace Process'
Possible Contact with Biden Camp Officials

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is departing for the United States through Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 on the 8th. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Following the victory of Democratic candidate Joe Biden in the U.S. presidential election, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it will strive to strengthen South Korea-U.S. relations with the Biden administration, which is scheduled to take office in January next year.

On the 8th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "We have been communicating directly with the Biden camp and key Democratic figures," adding, "Based on the networks we have built so far, we will continue to work through close communication and cooperation to strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance and advance the peace process on the Korean Peninsula."

The government is known to have been making all-out diplomatic efforts, including meetings through U.S. overseas missions to build networks with Biden camp personnel ahead of the inauguration of the new U.S. administration.

Earlier, Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is visiting the U.S. at the invitation of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, explained the significance of this visit in a press briefing before departure on the morning of the same day, saying, "Although South Korea-U.S. relations are at a sensitive time, communication is always ongoing, and if there is an opportunity regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula or South Korea-U.S. issues, discussions at the ministerial level take place regardless of timing." Minister Kang is scheduled to hold talks with Secretary Pompeo on the 9th.

Minister Kang added, "I plan to have many meaningful conversations with members of Congress and academia to create an opportunity to further solidify South Korea-U.S. relations despite the sensitive timing." When asked if she plans to meet with Biden camp personnel, she replied, "I am unable to provide specific details about the schedule, and I think we will have to see once there."

In addition to key figures from the Trump administration, Minister Kang plans to meet with major figures from the U.S. federal Congress, think tanks, and academia to request continued support and cooperation from the U.S. political and academic circles for the advancement of the peace process on the Korean Peninsula and the strengthening of the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Lee Do-hoon, Director of the South Korea Peace Negotiations Headquarters, is expected to accompany Minister Kang on this visit. Director Lee is likely to discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula, including deterring North Korean provocations during the transitional period of the U.S. administration change, through consultations with Steven Biegun, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and chief negotiator for North Korea nuclear talks.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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