-Governor Kim Moon-soo’s first meeting with Ambassador Sung Kim
-Ambassador Kim and Governor Kim discuss the relocation of U.S. military forces to Pyeongtaek and the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.
 

Ambassador Kim attracted the local public attention as the first U.S. ambassador to Korea with a Korean background in the 121 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations. The ambassador, who was appointed in November of last year, paid his first official visit to the governor’s office on February 9th.
The two met at the governor’s office on Thursday morning for the first time and mainly discussed issues related to the province and the United States.

Governor Kim welcomed Ambassador Kim, saying, “With your appointment, bilateral relations between our two countries will improve, and I can honestly say that many Koreans feel our two countries have become much closer, like one in body and soul.” He added, “I wanted to invite you to address our officials as a guest speaker, but I have not been able to extend an invitation to you for a number of reasons. Now I can extend an official invitation to you.”

Ambassador Kim replied, “I appreciate your warm welcome, and I feel that the people of this country welcome me, too. This is my first official visit outside the city of Seoul. I wanted to meet you in person because I know you are one of the most respected leaders in this country.” Regarding the governor’s invitation to be a guest speaker, he said, “I don’t know if I am qualified for that, but I humbly accept the invitation to speak to the officials of the province.”

“It was very sensible of President Obama and the U.S. Congress to appoint and approve you as the ambassador to Korea,” said Governor Kim. “I am also very grateful to President Obama and Secretary Clinton for their roles in my appointment,” replied Ambassador Kim.
 

They began to discuss the two issues in more detail.
“The move of U.S. military forces from northern Gyeonggi Province to Pyeongtaek south of the capital will impact not only the economies of Dongducheon and Uijeongbu, both of which currently host major U.S. military bases, but will also affect the defense of the entire country. Frankly, (in terms of national security), I am a little concerned,” said Governor Kim. “Close bilateral cooperation between our two countries is all the more important at this stage so that people in the north of the province don’t have to worry.”

Ambassador Kim said, “I was personally involved in the plan to reorganize U.S. military forces in Korea when I worked at the U.S. Embassy to Korea some time ago. The focus of the rearrangement was and is to retain the existing level of conflict deterrence on the peninsula. I personally think that the restructuring will strengthen Korea’s defensive capabilities, making the Pyeongtaek base a more effective hub for the U.S. military presence in Korea.”
Governor Kim said, “Concurrently, there are some serious concerns about the bilateral free trade agreement between Korea and the U.S.” Ambassador Kim replied, “I understand that, but I think the treaty is good and mutually beneficial for our two countries because we have invested so much effort in making it mutually beneficial.”

“I understand that both countries are doing their best to implement the treaty as early as possible for that reason,” said the ambassador.

Governor Kim said, “I agree with you. However, I am concerned because the political situation surrounding the treaty in Korea is rather delicate.” Following the discussion, the two men visited the Songtan International Community Center located in the city of Pyeongtaek.”
 

ⓒ G-News Plus / Son Rak-hun kuni1202@naver.com

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201202091314467055C048&s_code=C048