Yoon: "Semiconductors, Quantum, AI... Future Advanced Technologies US-Korea Alliance"

President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized the solidarity between South Korea and the United States in advanced technologies including semiconductors, quantum, AI, space, and cyber on the 27th (local time), and stated that cooperation on U.S. and global issues will also be increased.

On the afternoon of the same day, President Yoon attended a state luncheon hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department building in Washington D.C., urging the strengthening of economic cooperation between the South Korean government and the U.S.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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In particular, at this event attended by economic figures including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, President Yoon said, "In future advanced technologies including semiconductors, quantum, artificial intelligence (AI), space, and cyber, South Korea and the U.S. will deepen solidarity and cooperation," and promised, "Young talents from both countries will learn from each other and create a free, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region." Vice President Harris also explained that since the Biden administration took office, Korean companies have invested over $100 billion in the U.S., and she expressed pride that a significant portion of this will accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.

President Yoon also said, "Being with strong supporters of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, I feel we can overcome any challenge. It is truly reassuring to be together," and added, "Over the past 70 years, the South Korea-U.S. alliance has developed into the most successful alliance in history on the foundation built by the sacrifices of veterans," evaluating, "South Korea’s growth from the ruins of war to a nation with international stature was due to the strength of this alliance."

President Yoon mentioned the name of the State Department building where the luncheon was held, the 'Harry Truman Building,' and said, "On the desk in my Yongsan office, there is a nameplate engraved with President Truman’s words, which President Biden gifted me during his visit to Korea last year." This wooden nameplate was gifted by President Joe Biden during his visit to Korea in May last year, engraved with the famous phrase left by President Truman, 'The Buck Stops Here.'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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President Yoon said, "Looking at this phrase, I engrave in my heart the dedication and responsibility for liberal democracy," recalling President Truman’s decision to dispatch troops to the Korean War. He continued, "Based on the fruitful discussions at yesterday’s South Korea-U.S. summit, we will develop the alliance in a direction that expands tangible benefits for the peoples of both countries," and stated, "Our future will be more brilliant than the past."

Host Secretary of State Blinken referred to the White House state dinner the previous night, saying, "Last night, President Yoon sang 'American Pie' and made everyone laugh," and added, "(At today’s luncheon) if you want to show another performance, please continue," drawing laughter from the audience.

Vice President Harris mentioned the broad range of South Korea-U.S. cooperation, including the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) she visited during her visit to Korea last year, Hyundai Motor’s electric vehicle production in the U.S., 'Squid Game,' BTS, and her meeting with Academy Award-winning actress Youn Yuh-jung. She then emphasized, "In all the fields I just mentioned, President Yoon’s leadership has made the development of our two countries possible," and stressed, "In this era rife with autocratic politics and aggression, President Yoon’s leadership is very important."

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