Remarks for Breakfast
Meeting hosted by the
Korean Council on Reconciliation and
Cooperation
Ambassador Alexander Vershbow
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea
Friday, December 23, 2005
Westin Chosun Hotel, Seoul
Thank you, Chairman Jeong, for that very warm introduction. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to such a distinguished audience today about the relationship between our two countries. My wife and I have been received very warmly by the Korean people, making our move here easy and enjoyable. Every day, whether at work or in gatherings with Korean friends, I marvel at the depth and variety of issues on which our two countries cooperate, as well as how much we have to offer one another as partners and allies.
As some of you probably know, before I came to Korea, I spent the bulk of my diplomatic career dealing with Russian and European issues. I had the privilege to work on initiatives aimed at overcoming the division of Europe and promoting reconciliation and cooperation among former Cold War adversaries, such as the enlargement of NATO and the establishment of relations between Russia and the Atlantic Alliance. I also played a small part in some earlier ¡°Six Party Talks,¡± the ¡°Two Plus Four¡± negotiations that smoothed the way for the reunification of Germany.
For me, one important lesson to be learned from the German experience is that reunification of a divided nation requires more than dialogue between government officials. In fact, exchange and contact between civilians and private organizations make all the difference in the world. In that regard, allow me to extend my warmest appreciation for your organization¡¯s efforts to encourage true cooperation and meaningful reconciliation between the two Koreas.
It has been more than 50 years since the Korean War. In that half-century, the Republic of Korea rose from the ashes of the war to stand today as a great symbol of the will and determination, the ¡°can-do¡± spirit of the people of Korea. We in the United States regard South Korea as one of the greatest success stories anywhere. Even though the U.S.-Korea alliance was forged in the heat of the Korean War, the true value of our alliance will become more evident as we pave together the road to freedom and peace worldwide in the 21st century. Indeed, the United States and South Korea have always stood side by side in our quest for freedom and democracy. From the Korean War to Vietnam and now to Iraq, few allied nations have supported each other like our two countries.
I would like to point out, however, that the U.S.-Korea relationship is much more than a military or security alliance. Our relationship spans a much greater spectrum than most people recognize. We discuss and cooperate on trade, academic exchanges, cultural exchanges, science and technology, joint efforts to combat terrorism, and people-to-people connections. Of course, we don¡¯t always agree on all issues, but we talk frankly and show understanding and concern for each other¡¯s interest, and adjust accordingly. We do this as genuine partners.
I am truly impressed that the relationship between our two countries has become so multi-faceted. The numbers speak for themselves: Korean students account for the third-largest group of foreign students studying in U.S. universities. Only China and India send more students, and they, of course, have far larger populations.
Two million people of Korean ancestry live in the United States, adding economic, cultural, and academic value to our society. Roughly 100,000 Americans work and reside in the Republic of Korea.
In 1953, Korea was one of the world¡¯s poorest countries, a broken nation with an uncertain political and economic future. Its per capita income was $67, and it received $194.2 million in foreign economic aid. Today, the Republic of Korea is the world¡¯s 11th largest economy with a per capita income of $14,000. Korea gave $423.3 million in overseas development assistance in 2004.
Political change in Korea has been similarly impressive. In two short decades, Korea has evolved from a military dictatorship to a full democracy. The United States is proud to have played a role in all of these developments.
Last month, Presidents Bush and Roh announced at their summit in Gyeongju that we will soon launch a Strategic Dialogue to discuss a broad range of issues from a longer-term strategic point of view. This initiative, of course, was not the only topic of discussion between our leaders. The Gyeongju joint statement embodies the wide-ranging scope of our relationship. It makes clear that we will work together toward a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, regional cooperation on security and trade, stronger bilateral cooperation in the United Nations and other international organizations, and close bilateral cooperation in fighting the war on terror and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. President Bush announced that the United States will work with the Korean government to develop a roadmap that will help the Republic of Korea qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, with the goal of facilitating even more direct contact between our citizens.
Our two nations enjoy such a close relationship because we share two fundamental values: democracy and freedom. These common values allow our alliance relationship to expand into a genuine partnership based on friendship and a mutual commitment to see these values spread. This is why I believe our alliance is on a stronger, more constructive footing than ever. The American people are proud to have supported our Korean friends in times of need; and we greatly appreciate the support of Korea in our time of need - most recently, the generous assistance provided by the Korean people to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. We welcome an increasingly prominent role for Korea on the world stage that is commensurate with its status as an economic power and vibrant democracy.
The U.S.-Korea alliance is in the midst of a process of modernization that takes into account the enormous changes that have taken place in Korea, the United States, and the region. This modernization will ensure that the alliance remains as important and relevant over the next 50 years as it has been during its first five decades.
On the security side, we are working closely with the Korean government to undertake the most significant realignment of U.S. Forces in Korea since the end of the Korean War. We plan to consolidate our presence, returning as many bases as possible - including Yongsan Garrison - to the Korean people and shifting more missions and authority to the ROK¡¯s armed forces. At the same time, we plan to spend $11 billion over the next few years to upgrade our forces in the region to maintain our ability to deal with any contingency here on the peninsula or elsewhere in Northeast Asia. In addition, our governments are engaged in serious discussions on operational command and strategic flexibility.
At their meeting in Gyeongju, our two Presidents took stock of the efforts to modernize the alliance and expressed great satisfaction at the progress achieved to date. All of this was possible through close consultations between the United States and South Korea, and a shared determination to find solutions that respect both countries¡¯ vital interests. Moving out of Yongsan Garrison, in particular, was long overdue. It will serve both countries¡¯ interests to move that base out of Seoul so that the Korean people can have a beautiful park alongside their spectacular new National Museum (minus a small piece of land where we plan to build a beautiful new American Embassy!).
Our alliance is not only important for the defense of the Republic of Korea. It is also the foundation for greater security and stability in Northeast Asia. It is also key to achieving success in the Six Party Talks.
In Gyeongju, our Presidents agreed that a nuclear-armed North Korea would not be tolerated and that the Six Party Talks were the best way to achieve the goal of denuclearization. We were all encouraged by the September 19 joint statement, in which North Korea pledged to eliminate all of its nuclear weapons and nuclear programs. Pyongyang¡¯s subsequent actions and demands, however, underscore how difficult it is to negotiate with the North Koreans and how they have mastered the art of missing opportunities to advance their own interests.
We have worked closely with our South Korean allies in the Six Party process, and we stand ready to resume the talks in January, without attaching any new conditions. We hope that North Korea will do the same. The United States and South Korea, along with China, Japan and Russia, are prepared to work out the implementing steps for all aspects of the September 19 joint statement. We have made specific commitments in the joint statement, including working toward a permanent peace regime for the Korean Peninsula, economic and energy assistance, and eventual normalization of relations with North Korea. We are prepared to fulfill these commitments, provided North Korea also fulfills its commitment to eliminate its nuclear programs in a prompt and verifiable manner.
For my part, I would like to emphasize that the United States remains fully committed to the Six Party Talks as the best way to reach a negotiated settlement of the North Korean nuclear issue. Yes, the United States has serious concerns about many aspects of North Korean behavior, including its involvement in illicit activities such as counterfeiting and money-laundering. We will take the necessary measures to protect ourselves and to enforce our laws. But this does not in any way reduce our determination to resolve the nuclear issue through the Six Party Talks. As I said, we hope the Talks will resume in January without any further delay.
As a final note, I would like to state clearly that the United States supports inter-Korean engagement and reconciliation. We hope that the ROK¡¯s efforts will succeed in improving the lives of North Korean citizens and promoting genuine economic and political reforms in the North, as well as greater respect for human rights there. We also hope that South Koreans will be more successful in convincing their northern brethren that reforms are not a concession that they should make to other countries, but the best way to help their own people and their moribund economy. It is a real tragedy that 22 million Koreans are missing out on the progress and prosperity that have made Asia the world¡¯s most dynamic and fast-growing region. The U.S. Government wants to help bring North Korea out of its self-imposed isolation so that it can become a member of the international community. To do this, North Korean leaders must show a willingness to abide by international norms of behavior. Fulfilling their obligations to denuclearize within the Six Party Talks is the best place to start.
Let me also state for the record that the United States supports the peaceful reunification of Korea, which I believe must happen because it is the will of the Korean people. We will provide whatever help is necessary to our Korean friends in the process of reunification but, ultimately, it is up to the Korean people to decide the fate of the Peninsula. I truly believe that organizations such as the Korean Council on Reconciliation and Cooperation must continue to play an important role to bring this about.