Ambassador
Alexander R. Vershbow
Congratulatory Remarks
to the
Korean-American Associationon the occasion of the
¡°2005 Korean-American Friendship
Night¡± Banquet
Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Hotel
November 3, 2005, at 6:30 p.m.
Good evening. Thank you for the warm welcome.
Acknowledge: KAA Chairman KOO Pyong Hwoi, MOFAT Minister BAN Ki-moon, Former
Ambassador James R. Lilley, and other distinguished guests.
Since arriving in Korea a few weeks ago, Lisa and I have been captivated by the
cultural vitality of Korea and the energy and dynamism of Koreans.
Seoul is clearly a city on the move. On a weekend you can transit on the KTX from here to Busan in less time than it would take you to watch ¡®Old Boy¡¯ on your video-cell phone. Or you can stay in town and see inspiring performing arts and lose yourself in a number of world-class museums and galleries. From biotech labs to semiconductors, from environmental initiatives like Chon-gye-chon stream to baseball teams that may soon rival even my beloved Red Sox, Korea is the example of what the face of development looks like in the 21st century.
I am pleased that the United States stands as a partner with Korea as we face the challenges of this new century. For over half a century our two countries have had a special friendship that has moved beyond the tragedy of war to two strong, prosperous partners seeking a positive impact on the world around us.
Indeed, the U.S.-ROK connection is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world.
I am honored to be a part of this relationship, and I look forward to finding ways to contribute to and strengthen this very important historic bond.
My task is made easier by you, the members of the Korean-American
Association, because you stand firmly behind this important and strong
alliance.
Since its founding in 1963, the Korean-American Association has consistently
promoted friendly, cooperative Korean-American relations.
A great example of this is your very generous support for victims of Hurricane
Katrina.
Friends help each other in times of need, and I am truly touched by your demonstration of friendship and oneness. Thank you for your kindness and compassion.
Indeed, the United States is proud of its close relationship with the Republic of Korea, and we are proud that our two nations cherish the same values of freedom and democracy.
So let us celebrate tonight the powerful friendship that will enrich the lives of our communities and strengthen the prosperity of our countries.
Thank you again, members of the Korean-American Association, for your contributions to improve our already successful relationship. I deeply appreciate and respect your hard work and unwavering support.