By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol received former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy and exchanged views on the direction of the U.S.-ROK alliance on May 22.
 

The President praised former Speaker McCarthy for his longstanding commitment to legislative activities as a key figure in the U.S. Congress, and for rallying the will of the U.S. Congress for the development of U.S.-ROK relations and peace and prosperity in the region. 

In particular, the President thanked former Speaker McCarthy for his unwavering support for the U.S.-ROK alliance through an official invitation to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress on the occasion of his state visit to the United States last April.

The President also asked Mr. McCarthy for his unwavering support to ensure that the “Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance,” which is based on common values between the United States and South Korea, continues to expand its reach with the full support of the U.S. Congress.

Former Speaker McCarthy said that as Speaker of the House of Representatives, he was honored to share in the momentous occasion of President Yoon's joint address to the House and Senate, which reaffirmed the bipartisan support of the U.S. Congress for the unprecedentedly strong U.S.-ROK alliance. 

He also paid tribute to President Yoon's unwavering vision and leadership for the development of the alliance, and vowed to spare no effort in the future to advance the alliance and enhance the understanding of the U.S. and ROK.