1. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se delivered congratulatory remarks at the Korean-American Friendship Night, hosted by the Korean-American Association at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on September 17. In the remarks, Minister Yun noted with appreciation that the ROK-US alliance, currently at its highest point, is evolving into a comprehensive strategic alliance, as demonstrated by close cooperation between the two countries, including frequent high-level contacts; the strong ROK-US alliance with the top-level combined command system and combined defense posture; and global strategic partnership based on deep mutual trust.

2. In particular, while mentioning that the inter-Korean agreement recently reached opened up possibilities for positive developments in inter-Korean relations, Minister Yun stressed that the international community should not lower its guard against the possible strategic provocations which North Korea has indicated recently.

o Regarding this, expressing hope that North Korea will not engage in strategic provocations, Minister Yun emphasized that if North does not engage in strategic provocation, the international community would engage North Korea with a variety of cooperative programs, but if North Korea engages in strategic provocation, there will certainly be consequences and the international community will respond firmly.

o Mentioning that countries in and outside of the region are closely collaborating to prevent North Korea from taking provocative actions, Minister Yun reminded the fact that the UN Security Council has a mandate to consider further significant measures if North Korea violates Security Council resolutions. Minister Yun urged North Korea to listen carefully to the clear-cut message that the North should not test the international community’s resolve by making a misjudgment.

3. Meanwhile, Minister Yun commended the contributions that the Korean-American Association has made in efforts to promote friendship between the ROK and the US, and asked all to work together towards a brighter future of the ROK-US alliance.


*unofficial translation