Washington:South Korea's top envoy to the United States emphasized Seoul's dedication to facilitating renewed dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang, highlighting that peace on the Korean Peninsula remains a primary concern for South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha made these remarks during an event in Washington celebrating Korean National Day and Armed Forces Day. Her comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump has shown interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un before the year's end.
Kang emphasized South Korea's role as a "pacemaker" in creating conditions conducive to dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea, with the hopes of building confidence and resuming talks. She added that South Korea aims to develop this dialogue into broader engagement among relevant countries, seeking to formally end the Korean War, transition to a peace regime, and achieve complete denuclearization of the peninsula.
Kang also addressed the ongoing efforts for the conditions-based transfer of wartime operational control of troops to Seoul from Washington, describing the anticipated transfer as a significant step in modernizing the bilateral alliance.
On the economic front, Kang noted that South Korea's commitment to invest $350 billion in the U.S. under last year's bilateral trade deal is materializing through identified projects, which are expected to bolster the future industries of both nations. She stated these investments would create high-paying jobs in both countries, further deepening the bilateral relationship.
The event also saw participation from Sen. Andy Kim, Rep. Joe Wilson, and officials from the U.S. Department of Defense. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Korea, Japan, and Mongolia David Wilezol urged both nations to continue working together, honoring the legacy of those who defended South Korea during the Korean War.