Washington: The United States is eager to collaborate with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his government to strengthen the "ironclad" bilateral alliance between the two nations, stated Washington's leading diplomat. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the significance of the U.S.-South Korea partnership, describing the countries as "indispensable" allies.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rubio's remarks were made public through a press statement just two days before the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, which lasted from 1910 to 1945. Rubio highlighted that the longstanding alliance, which has been in place for over 70 years, is rooted in "shared values and mutual interests." He expressed the U.S.'s readiness to engage with President Lee and his administration to bolster the U.S.-ROK Alliance, using the acronym for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.
Rubio noted the alliance's historical significance and its continued relevance, stating, "The United States is proud to stand with the ROK, which has flourished as a resilient democracy and valued economic partner." He refrained from detailing specific global security challenges but underscored the mutual commitment to expanding prosperity and addressing pressing issues on the international stage.
The statement comes as both nations prepare for the inaugural summit between President Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled to take place at the White House on August 25. This meeting is anticipated to be pivotal for the Seoul-Washington partnership, especially as both countries aim to "modernize" their alliance. The Trump administration is currently focused on restructuring alliances to better counter an increasingly assertive China.