US Ambassador Steel calls Korea-US alliance 'core pillar' of Indo-Pacific peace

US Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel reaffirmed the strength of the Korea-US alliance on Friday, calling it a "core pillar" of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking at the Korea-US Alliance Conference hosted by the Korea-US Alliance Foundation in Seoul, Steel described the alliance as "the core pillar of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific." Tracing its historical roots, she said it was "an alliance forged through war," built on the sacrifice of American and Korean soldiers who "stood side by side, shedding blood together to defend freedom." She added that the Korea-US Mutual Defense Treaty represents "a bond that can never be broken" and "goes beyond a simple government-to-government treaty."

Steel also expressed strong confidence in the cooperative initiatives agreed upon by the two countries' leaders. Citing the joint fact sheet adopted at last year's Korea-US summit, she said it "shows the many practical paths our two countries can take together toward a stronger, safer and more prosperous future." She went on to say that the two sides are "strengthening security cooperation, modernizing the alliance, deepening trade and investment, and expanding cooperation in shipbuilding, technology and regional security."

Steel also expressed gratitude for the dedication of USFK and the South Korean military, saying the very presence of both countries' forces is "a living expression of our ironclad alliance." She said their daily work "makes clear to our friends — and to our adversaries — that the United States and Korea stand together."

While acknowledging that "the world will change, new technologies will transform economies, militaries and societies, and new challenges will test our resolve," Steel said "our shared values will remain the foundation of our future cooperation."