President Park Geun-hye and U.S. President Barack Obama held a summit this morning followed by a working luncheon at the White House. Marking the 60th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance, the two leaders adopted the Joint Declaration in Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America.

This Declaration will become a meaningful document looking back at the past six decades of the alliance and spelling out a new direction for the development of bilateral relations over the coming decades. This new direction will provide the foundation for a shared understanding and evaluation of the progress of the ROK-U.S. alliance, security and economic cooperation, the future of the Korean Peninsula, North Korean issues, cooperation in Northeast Asia and in the world, enhanced relationship between the peoples of the two countries and the future of Asia in the 21st century.

The major points stipulated in the Joint Declaration include an assessment of the evolvement of the ROK-U.S. alliance, reaffirmation of the alliance as a linchpin of peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the firm commitment of the United States to the defense of the Republic of Korea. In addition, it calls for the faithful implementation of the KORUS FTA and the strengthening of economic cooperation, continuous endeavors for peace and stability as well as peaceful unification on the Korean Peninsula and shared efforts to deal with North Korean issues, including the nuclear problem. Furthermore, the Declaration presents a new vision for ROK-U.S. relations in the 21st century that is attainable through sustained bilateral cooperation in Northeast Asia and on the global stage as well as bolstered exchanges and collaboration between the peoples of the two countries.

At the summit and luncheon meeting, the two leaders exchanged ideas on the ROK-U.S. alliance, the North Korean nuclear issue and other related matters, substantive bilateral collaboration, issues in Northeast Asia and cooperation in the international arena.

To be more specific on the agenda of the summit, the two Presidents reconfirmed their unwavering support for the ROK-U.S. alliance and commitment to maintaining and further advancing the steadfast combined defense posture. In addition, they saw eye to eye on the need to continue to develop the comprehensive strategic alliance between the two nations.

Amidst North Korea’s continued threats and provocations, the two leaders reaffirmed the need to maintain close coordination in the implementation of North Korea policy. On the basis of President Obama’s support for the trust-building process on the Korean Peninsula proposed by President Park, the two Presidents reconfirmed that any provocation by the North will be dealt with sternly, but the door for dialogue will be left open.

Evaluating the progress in the implementation of the KORUS FTA, which was ratified more than a year ago, the two Presidents shared a common understanding on the need to further promote bilateral cooperation in the economy and trade, including through the faithful implementation of the FTA. They also saw eye to eye on the necessity of addressing major pending issues in a reciprocal manner.

On top of this, the two Presidents discussed how to enhance collaboration among nations in Northeast Asia, including through the Northeast Asian Peace and Cooperation Initiative proposed by President Park. They also exchanged ideas on ways to bolster the ROK-U.S. partnership in dealing with various global issues, including climate change, development cooperation and the Middle East. 

Furthermore, the two sides took this occasion to outline specific projects that will aim to lay the groundwork for cooperation in the creation of future growth engines, increase the tangible benefits of people-to-people exchanges and strengthen the global partnership between Korea and the United States.

With regards to initializing cooperation in the creation of future growth engines, plans were made to issue a joint statement on comprehensive energy cooperation and establish a new joint council that will oversee coordination of policies in the information and communications technology sector.

In terms of increasing the actual benefits of people-to-people exchanges, it was agreed that two important steps would be taken: increasing the visa quota for Korean professionals seeking opportunities in the United States and renewing the WEST (Work, English Study, Travel) Program for college student exchanges. 

As for strengthening the global partnership between Korea and the United States, the two sides agreed to work together to adopt a joint declaration on climate change and conclude an MOU between the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Peace Corps.

The ROK-U.S. alliance is a comprehensive strategic alliance built on shared values and mutual trust. Through the KORUS FTA, the two countries have gone beyond security and military cooperation to economic cooperation. Bilateral cooperation will now be strengthened in other areas, including civic affairs, culture and people-to-people exchanges. 

Having been confirmed as an alliance of trust, the ROK-U.S. alliance will also expand its reach to become an alliance of sharing and caring that works together to extend assistance to developing countries.

The ROK-U.S. alliance is making strides to become a global partnership in name and substance, working together to address issues that affect the Korean Peninsula, the Northeast Asian region and people around the world, for the promotion of happier lives for all.