By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg, who will leave Seoul next January, said, “I'm going home with very fond memories of Seoul,” adding, “It's true that there has been uncertainty in Seoul over the past two weeks, but what we can be sure of is the strong U.S.-Korea alliance.”
Goldberg made the remarks at Seoul City Hall on Dec. 26, where he received an honorary citizenship certificate from Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Goldberg, who was appointed U.S. ambassador to South Korea in July 2022, will leave Seoul next January when he retires.
“I am so pleased to receive this honorary citizenship,” said Ambassador Goldberg. ”As I complete my two and a half years as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, I am also completing a 36-year career as a diplomat and beginning a new chapter in my life.”
“The U.S.-ROK partnership has become more than just a military partnership or a security partnership, a new partnership that encompasses new areas,” he said. ”I believe in South Korea's democracy and constitutional system. We hope and support Korea's stabilization,” he said.
“I think the deep roots of our relationship are our people-to-people relationship,” he said, adding, ”In these uncertain times, I can say with certainty that we stand with the Korean people.”
“I think many people would agree that during your two and a half years as ambassador, the U.S.-ROK alliance has grown stronger and has evolved into a very substantial and interactive relationship,” Mayor Oh said.
“This is a time of considerable political turmoil in South Korea,” he said, ”and I think that your deep confidence in South Korean democracy during this difficult period has helped South Korea regain its credibility in the international community very quickly.”
“Even if you leave, I asked you to always consider Seoul as your second home and to keep your hearts together, so I offered you an honorary citizenship, and you readily agreed, so I thank you and ask you to never forget Seoul,” he said, adding, ”Let's go together.”
