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WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, describing his relationship with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung as a "top-tier cooperative partnership."

The remarks were made on December 16 (local time) during a credentialing ceremony at the White House for newly appointed foreign ambassadors. According to the South Korean Embassy in Washington, President Trump specifically highlighted his rapport with President Lee while receiving Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha.

Key Highlights of the MeetingA

"Successful" Summit Recalled: President Trump looked back fondly on the South Korea-U.S. summit held in Gyeongju this past October, calling it highly successful.
Personal Regards: The President asked Ambassador Kang to convey his "special regards" to President Lee, signaling a strong personal and professional bond between the two leaders.
Call for Growth: Trump expressed high expectations for Ambassador Kang’s role in further developing the bilateral alliance across various sectors.

Context and Background

Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha, who officially began her tenure on October 17 after submitting her credentials in writing, has already hit the ground running. She played a pivotal role during the APEC summit and the subsequent bilateral meetings in Korea late October. This White House event served as the formal face-to-face introduction following the standard diplomatic protocol.

The timing of this interaction is significant. With global security challenges and economic shifts in the Indo-Pacific region, the "top-tier" cooperation mentioned by Trump likely encompasses:

Security Ties: Strengthening extended deterrence and defense cost-sharing discussions.
Economic Technology: Deepening collaboration in semiconductors, AI, and clean energy.
Global Leadership: Joint efforts within the framework of APEC and other multilateral forums.
Ambassador Kang’s Commitment
In response to the President's warm welcome, Ambassador Kang expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a bridge between Washington and Seoul. "I am committed to ensuring that our strategic cooperation reaches new heights in security, the economy, and advanced technology," she stated.

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