South Korean and U.S. officials celebrated the alliance as a 'model' and 'forward-looking' partnership during a Korean National Day and Armed Forces Day event in Washington. The gathering followed the release of a joint fact sheet on security, trade, and other agreements by a day. Attendees expressed optimism about the alliance's future, emphasizing cooperation in economics and technology.
The event on November 14 took place at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, the site where the NATO treaty was signed in 1949, adding symbolic weight to the U.S.-South Korea alliance. South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha described it as a "model alliance" that has underpinned peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and worldwide for over seven decades. She noted that under new administrations in Seoul and Washington, it is evolving into a future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance spanning security, economics, and advanced technology.
Kang highlighted progress in bilateral ties, including a recent trade deal breakthrough on tariffs after the August summit. "After intensive negotiations following the August summit, our trade and industry authorities reached a long-awaited breakthrough on tariffs -- an achievement that strengthens the foundation of our economic and technical partnership," she said. She also stressed cultural bonds, adding, "Culture is a very powerful language. It connects us on a more personal basis and strengthens the very fabric of our partnership."
U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby praised South Korea's commitment to raising defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP, calling it the first non-NATO treaty ally to meet President Trump's standard set at the Hague summit. "South Korea is indeed a model ally, and today, it's especially fitting to say so as President Lee and the Republic of Korea have put their effort, their money, their seriousness and their commitment where their mouth is," Colby said. He emphasized the Trump administration's focus on partnerships rather than dependencies.
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre credited the relationship between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump for elevating the alliance to unprecedented heights. He described the joint fact sheet, issued the previous day, as a "testament to the depth and breadth" of ties and expressed anticipation for closer collaboration.
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Christopher Mahoney stated that the alliance extends beyond the military realm, serving as "proof of what the two countries can do when unified by shared values and a common purpose." He hoped it would remain "ironclad for generations to come."
Other attendees included Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia John Noh, Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), and Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA). The celebration reaffirmed the robust foundation of the decades-old partnership.