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Key Points

South Korea's new ambassador to the United States has officially begun her duties in Washington. Kang Kyung-wha stressed that strengthening the Seoul-Washington alliance forms the core of South Korea's pragmatic diplomacy approach. She highlighted the alliance's evolution into a comprehensive partnership focusing on security, economy and advanced technology. The ambassador also committed to enhancing communication channels ahead of President Trump's upcoming visit for the APEC summit.

Key Points: South Korea Envoy Kang Kyung-wha Vows to Strengthen US Alliance

  • Ambassador Kang emphasized alliance development around security, economy and technology pillars
  • She pledged deeper communication with US government, Congress and Korean community
  • Kang aims to serve as communication bridge ahead of Trump's APEC visit
  • The former foreign minister vowed to mobilize all embassy capacities on bilateral issues
2 min read

New South Korean envoy vows to solidify alliance with US

New South Korean Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha pledges to reinforce Seoul-Washington alliance as foundation of pragmatic diplomacy during inauguration ceremony.

"The South Korea-US alliance lies at the foundation of pragmatic diplomacy - Korean Embassy press release"

Washington, Oct 7

South Korea's new top envoy to the United States pledged Monday to reinforce the Seoul-Washington alliance, stressing it as the "foundation" of "pragmatic" diplomacy that President Lee Jae Myung's administration pursues.

Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha made the remarks during her inauguration ceremony at the Korean Embassy in Washington. Earlier in the day, she submitted a copy of her credentials to Monica Crowley, the chief of protocol of the US at the State Department, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"Ambassador Kang stressed that despite complex global challenges, our government will respond nimbly through pragmatic diplomacy centred on national interests, and that the South Korea-US alliance lies at the foundation of pragmatic diplomacy," the embassy said in a press release.

She underscored her commitment to further strengthen the alliance, which she said has been developing into a "future-oriented comprehensive" alliance with three pillars at its core -- security, economy and cutting-edge technology.

She also pledged to deepen communication with the US government, Congress, academia and media, as well as cooperation with the Korean community.

Kang officially began her ambassadorial duties after presenting a copy of her credentials to Crowley.

In the meeting with Crowley, she vowed to faithfully carry out a role as a "bridge of communication" between Seoul and Washington so as to ensure that the bilateral relationship will further develop through engagements, including during US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to South Korea on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit set to begin late this month.

Crowley congratulated her on the start of her ambassadorship, pledging to make all efforts needed for close coordination over pending bilateral issues, including Trump's planned trip to Korea, according to the embassy.

Kang arrived in the US on Saturday, vowing to mobilise "all embassy capacities" to help address trade and other bilateral issues with the US. She served as Seoul's foreign minister from 2017-2021 during the administration of former President Moon Jae-in.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
South Korea's focus on security, economy, and cutting-edge technology with US is exactly what India should be doing. We need more such strategic partnerships to counter China's influence in the region.
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Arjun K
While alliances are important, I hope countries don't forget the importance of independent foreign policy. Sometimes too much dependence on one superpower can limit options. India has maintained good balance so far.
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Sarah B
The emphasis on "pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests" is crucial. Every country should prioritize its own development and security needs first. Good to see South Korea taking this approach.
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Vikram M
South Korea and US alliance is strong, but India's relationship with both countries is equally important. Hope our diplomats are working on similar comprehensive partnerships. The technology cooperation aspect is particularly relevant for India's growth.
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Michael C
This shows how important bilateral relationships are in today's complex global scenario. India should take notes and strengthen its diplomatic ties across the board. The three pillars approach - security, economy, technology - makes perfect sense.

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