President Moon: "The ROK-US Alliance is the Most Exemplary Alliance in the World" (Comprehensive)

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House, Holds Meeting with House Leadership... Pelosi: "Hope for Active People-to-People Exchange Between South and North Korea"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the afternoon of the 20th (local time), President Moon Jae-in stated at a meeting with the U.S. House leadership, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, "At the foundation of democracy was the strong ROK-U.S. alliance," adding, "The ROK-U.S. alliance is the most exemplary alliance in the world."

Jung Man-ho, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House, said in a briefing that day, "President Moon, who is on an official visit to the United States, held a meeting with the House leadership at the U.S. Capitol in Washington and exchanged views on mutual interests."

Attending the meeting were House Speaker Pelosi, House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, and four Korean-American members of the House including Congressman Andy Kim.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon emphasized, "The U.S. Congress is the congress of all humanity supporting democracy," and added, "The reason the Republic of Korea has become a developed country in economy, culture, and even in quarantine today is also the power of democracy."

President Moon added, "The trust and support of the U.S. Congress, which has always stood with Korea in difficult times, has been a great strength."

Senior Secretary Jung explained, "We requested the active support of the U.S. Congress to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, permanent peace, overcoming COVID-19, restructuring global supply chains, and responding to climate change."

Speaker Pelosi said, "On behalf of the Congress, I extend a bipartisan welcome to the President's visit to the U.S. and express respect and gratitude. I hope that exchanges between the people will be activated not only between the ROK and the U.S. but also between the South and North."

Speaker Pelosi added, "In 2007, I introduced a resolution on comfort women in the U.S. House, and when I met former Prime Minister Abe of Japan, I mentioned this issue several times," adding, "I want to see justice realized."

House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer explained, "The two countries are important partners in responding to global common crises such as climate change and the pandemic, and important companions for world peace and prosperity." House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks said, "Inviting President Moon early in the Biden administration shows the importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance well," and added, "The ROK-U.S. alliance is a core pillar of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

Congressman Andy Kim said, "My parents immigrated from poor Korea 50 years ago, and it is very moving to meet the President of the Republic of Korea at the Capitol as a member of the House," emphasizing, "The ROK-U.S. relationship is not just about relations with North Korea or China, but Korea itself is a very important strategic partner of the United States."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon said, "Recently, the U.S. review of North Korea policy was completed, and during that process, the two countries closely cooperated. At this important time, the second face-to-face summit with President Biden was held between the ROK and the U.S., and it is also my first overseas visit since COVID-19," highlighting its significance.

Senior Secretary Jung said, "At today's meeting, besides Korean-American members, there were people who said 'Thank you' in Korean, and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, who became a topic for wearing hanbok at her swearing-in ceremony, even showed a tearful expression."

Senior Secretary Jung added, "Speaker Pelosi took out the New Year's greeting card sent by President Moon this year and said it was very pretty and she keeps it. She was also moved by the message inside about tirelessly working for peace and prosperity of humanity, and there was a scene where she took out the card and waved it."

Meanwhile, a senior Blue House official said, "(The mention of the comfort women resolution) came up during the exchange of remarks by the Speaker," and added that President Moon did not comment on this.

Additionally, the senior Blue House official said, "There was no mention of the law on North Korean leaflets today," and added, "(Speaker Pelosi) expressed hope that exchanges between the South and North will expand."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.