Move FM Global News

WASHINGTON, D.C.: To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, U.S. President Joe Biden will host South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a state visit on April 26.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the visit would also highlight Washington’s “unwavering commitment” to South Korea and that the leaders would discuss deepening political, economic and security ties.

Yoon’s spokesperson said it would be the first state visit to the United States by a South Korean president since 2011 and mark a “historic milestone” for the alliance … “to evolve more actively in preparation for the rapidly changing international situation and future uncertainties.”

The talks would cover combined defense posture, extended deterrence and high-tech and economic security, and enable a “‘strong alliance in action that protects the lives and safety of the peoples of both countries,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The U.S.-South Korean alliance dates from the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in a stalemate and in which China backed North Korea.

Washington and Seoul have since sought to contain North Korea, but have been unable to halt its growing nuclear and missile programs, which now threaten both allies. They also share concerns about China’s growing might and Washington sees Seoul as a key partner in its efforts to rally allies to push back against Beijing.

WASHINGTON, D.C.: To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, U.S. President Joe Biden will host South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a state visit on April 26.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the visit would also highlight Washington’s “unwavering commitment” to South Korea and that the leaders would discuss deepening political, economic and security ties.

Yoon’s spokesperson said it would be the first state visit to the United States by a South Korean president since 2011 and mark a “historic milestone” for the alliance … “to evolve more actively in preparation for the rapidly changing international situation and future uncertainties.”

The talks would cover combined defense posture, extended deterrence and high-tech and economic security, and enable a “‘strong alliance in action that protects the lives and safety of the peoples of both countries,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The U.S.-South Korean alliance dates from the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in a stalemate and in which China backed North Korea.

Washington and Seoul have since sought to contain North Korea, but have been unable to halt its growing nuclear and missile programs, which now threaten both allies. They also share concerns about China’s growing might and Washington sees Seoul as a key partner in its efforts to rally allies to push back against Beijing.