Speeches and Transcripts

Remarks at the Yongsan Relocation Groundbreaking Ceremony

Alexander R. Vershbow
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea

November 13, 2007

	U.S. Ambassador, Alexander Vershbow, Remarks at the Yongsan Relocation Groundbreaking Ceremony at Pyeongtaek.

Minister Kim, Governor Kim, General Kim, Mayor Song, General Bell, members of the National Assembly, Citizens of Pyeongtaek, Ladies and Gentlemen:  It’s a great pleasure and honor for me to be present at this historic groundbreaking ceremony.
 
The U.S.-ROK Alliance was established to deter aggression and has successfully fulfilled that vital mission for over half a century.  During that time, the Republic of Korea has emerged as a stable and prosperous democracy and world-class economy.

The Alliance has also played a strong role in fostering good relations between our two countries.  Working together to keep the peace has enhanced the natural friendship that exists between us.  Our partnership has also been of great benefit to South Koreans and Americans alike.  Furthermore, the combined effort of our two governments to address many serious problems around the world demonstrates that our Alliance has taken on global significance, as we work together for the benefit of all.     

I can think of no more fitting future role for this great Alliance than for it to help secure peace in the region for the next generation to come.  That is why we are working together.  Our Alliance was forged in war, but our paramount goal is and has always been to keep peace

The leadership of President Bush, the diplomatic efforts of Secretary of State Rice and Assistant Secretary Christopher Hill, the visit last week of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and the daily efforts by General Bell’s command and our Embassy in Seoul all serve to demonstrate the high importance the U.S. Government attaches to a continued close alliance with the Republic of Korea.  As Secretary Gates stated at the conclusion of the 39th Security Consultative Meeting on November 7, the United States once again “reaffirms the solidarity of its alliance commitments to the Republic of Korea.”

Today’s ceremony clearly demonstrates that the Republic of Korea shares that commitment to a strong and enduring Alliance.  Korea’s national government, as well as the local and provincial governments represented here, have made a great effort to support and facilitate the relocation of U.S. Forces Korea and establish a new hub here at Pyeongtaek.  The U.S. Government deeply appreciates these efforts because they help ensure that we will have the facilities needed to fully and capably fulfill our defense commitments.

Our joint efforts to transform and realign USFK, to implement the transition of wartime operational control, as well as Korea’s own efforts to modernize its forces through the Defense Reform 2020 initiative, all serve to strengthen the combined deterrence and defense capabilities of this remarkable Alliance. 

Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the enduring nature of our solemn commitment as allies, for today we celebrate years of hard work, wise planning, and close cooperation between our two countries to build a stronger, better-equipped and mature alliance, one that will address the challenges ahead, particularly our common mission to secure lasting peace in Northeast Asia. 

In conclusion, let me congratulate everyone who has brought us this far.  Today marks the “end of the beginning” in the relocation of USFK.   I wish everyone continued success in the completion of this historic project.

• Remarks of Roh, Moo-hyun, the President of the Republic of Korea (Korean)