By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok met with the U.S. ambassador to South Korea and the commander of the U.S. Forces Korea on Jan. 3, emphasizing that “we will continue to promote our diplomatic and security stance based on the strong U.S.-South Korea alliance.”
Choi made the remarks during a joint reception with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Philip Goldberg and U.S. Commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) General Xavier Brunson at the Government Complex in Seoul.

“Let's continue to actively cooperate with each other to ensure that the diplomatic achievements, including the U.S.-Korea and U.S.-Japan cooperation, will continue,” Choi said.
Ambassador Goldberg and Commander Brunson responded with the United States' unwavering support for South Korea's democracy and the strong U.S.-ROK alliance, emphasizing that “we will make every effort and support to ensure that the 70+ year-old alliance will continue to develop in the future.”
Choi then thanked Ambassador Goldberg for his contributions to the alliance over the past two years and five months and asked for his continued support for the alliance after his departure.
Ambassador Goldberg is scheduled to retire this month. “My time in South Korea has been very meaningful and rewarding,” Goldberg said in response, adding that he will continue to be a strong supporter of the alliance.
Choi congratulated Brunson on his appointment and asked him to play an important role in advancing the U.S.-ROK alliance. “I will do my best to help the U.S.-ROK alliance safeguard peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region,” Brunson replied.