US on Yoon Administration Inauguration: "Korea is a Key Ally, Looking Forward to Cooperation"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Biden administration of the United States stated on the 9th (local time) that it looks forward to cooperating with South Korea, a key ally, in relation to the inauguration of the Yoon Seok-yeol government.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said at the daily briefing, "President Biden looks forward to having a dialogue with President Yoon on regional security and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

Regarding North Korea's additional nuclear test trends, she said, "We are clearly monitoring it," adding, "(During President Biden's visit to South Korea and Japan) North Korea will be at the top of the agenda considering the recent (missile launch) tests."

State Department spokesperson Ned Price also evaluated the South Korea-U.S. alliance on the same day as "sustainable as an alliance built on common understanding and values."

Spokesperson Price emphasized that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is not based on who is in power in either country, saying, "The alliance will continue, and (both countries) will be able to work together to pursue common understanding and protect shared values."

Defense Department spokesperson John Kirby also said at the briefing that when asked whether there is an intention to discuss large-scale joint military exercises or military asset deployment with the Yoon Seok-yeol government, "We look forward to cooperating with South Korea's new government, just as we do with new administrations of other countries."

He continued, "South Korea remains a key ally. We are always looking for ways to make this alliance better and more capable." However, regarding military exercises or asset deployment, he stated, "I will not comment in advance on things that have not happened. We will see where those discussions lead."

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