By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol received Utah Governor Spencer Cox and exchanged views on ways to expand cooperation between Korea and Utah and the direction of the U.S.-ROK alliance on Sept. 27.

The President welcomed Governor Cox to his first visit to Korea and expressed his appreciation for his role as a strong supporter of the U.S.-ROK alliance, including attending the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK alliance in Utah last October and declaring October 12 as 'U.S.-ROK Alliance Day'.

Calling Utah a longtime friend that fought alongside the Republic of Korea during the Korean War, sending about 21,500 Utah veterans to fight for the freedom of Korea, Governor Cox said that as governor, he will spare no effort to strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance as well as Korea-Utah cooperation.

Cox also noted that the state capital, Salt Lake City, which is home to about 330,000 startups and is growing to become the next startup capital of the United States, and asked for the Korean government's interest in encouraging outstanding Korean companies to expand their presence in Utah.

As Utah is leading the way in innovation in the U.S. with a focus on aerospace, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, the president said he hopes to deepen cooperation between South Korea and Utah in these areas. 

The President also asked Governor Cox for his interest and support in helping the approximately 15,000 Korean Americans living in Utah become part of the community and contribute to Utah's development.