◀ Anchor ▶
At this meeting, President Biden expressed his gratitude by mentioning several times the Korean government’s efforts to improve Korea-Japan relations.
This is a part that seems particularly obvious because President Yoon’s comments regarding Japan just before his visit to the United States caused controversy.
Correspondent Lee Jeong-eun, who covers Washington, connects.
The fact that reporter Lee and President Biden repeatedly mentioned and thanked him means that improving Korea-Japan relations is also in line with the interests of the United States, right?
◀ Reporter ▶
Yes, it was also stated in the joint statement by the leaders of the United States and South Korea.
He says that President Yoon’s measures to improve Korea-Japan relations are welcomed, and that he “strongly” supports expanding cooperation.
President Biden also spoke directly in the minority discussions before the joint statement was published.
Let’s hear it.
[조 바이든/미국 대통령]
“Thank you to the President for his bold and principled diplomatic decision with Japan. This will strengthen the three-way partnership, and it will have a huge impact.”
At the joint press conference, President Biden thanked again and said, “By strengthening trilateral cooperation with Japan, the future of the Indo-Pacific region will be freer and more prosperous.”
The US needs to improve Korea-Japan relations as a background for stabilizing Korea-US-Japan cooperation and enabling the US-led Indo-Pacific Strategy to work well, and Korea’s efforts in this of what have been strongly emphasized several times.
◀ Anchor ▶
Other issues were due to be addressed at the summit.
For example, was there any talk of wiretapping or arms support to Ukraine?
◀ Reporter ▶
Yes, a foreign reporter asked a question about the suspicion that the United States had tapped Korea: “Is there a promise from Biden that he will not do that in the future?
Let’s listen to President Yoon’s answer to this.
[윤석열 대통령]
“Right now, Korea and the United States are communicating about that and sharing necessary information. Because an investigation is currently underway in the United States… ″
It’s an answer that doesn’t seem to be a common opinion on the wiretapping issue.
Regarding the issue of Ukraine, President Biden made an official comment.
The Republic of Korea’s support for Ukraine was said to be very important in a situation where Russia is now openly threatening international law.
The Korean government said there was no discussion of military aid at this meeting.
◀ Anchor ▶
Is it the place where reporter Lee Jeong-eun is now in front of the Capitol?
In a few hours, President Yoon Seok-yeol will give a speech there, right?
◀ Reporter ▶
Yes, this is the 7th time the Korean president has addressed the US Senate and the House of Representatives.
The President’s office announced that it would look back on the 70 years of the ROK-US alliance and present a blueprint for the future alliance that the ROK-US will pursue together.
President Yoon will deliver a speech in English.
This is MBC News Lee Jeong-eun from Washington.
Video commentary: Park Jong-il, Kim Hae-dong / Video editing: Lee Hwa-young
