By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol received U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, who is visiting South Korea for the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Democracy Summit, on March 18.

The President welcomed Secretary Blinken, who is returning to South Korea after a four-month absence following his visit in November last year, and said that the recent high-level exchanges, including reciprocal visits between the foreign ministers of the two countries, demonstrate the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance, which has evolved into a "globally comprehensive strategic alliance.”

Noting that the U.S.-ROK relationship is stronger than ever, Blinken said the U.S. will continue to actively build on the achievements of last year's state visit by President Yoon and the Camp David U.S.-ROK Summit.

Blinken also reiterated that the United States will always stand with South Korea to ensure a firm response to North Korean provocations and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and called for closer coordination and communication between the United States and South Korea as we continue to strengthen our extended deterrence.

The President said that the U.S.-ROK alliance is stronger as a "values alliance" because of our shared belief in liberal democracy, and in keeping with the theme of the summit, "Democracy for Future Generations," the two countries will work closely together to pass on a better democracy to future generations.

Secretary Blinken expressed President Biden's special appreciation for South Korea's hosting of the Democracy Summit, and expressed confidence that the U.S.-ROK alliance, based on universal values, will continue to do more for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, in the region, and around the world as a global alliance.

On the occasion of the meeting, Secretary Blinken conveyed U.S. President Biden's best wishes to President Yoon.