1. During his visit to the United States, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul met with President and CEO of the Korea Society Thomas Byrne on February 24 (local time). He also had a breakfast meeting in Washington, D.C. on February 27 (local time) with the former President and CEO of the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI) Kathleen Stephens, and the incoming President and CEO of the KEI Scott Snyder. They exchanged views on various issues, including the Korea-U.S. alliance, and regional and global affairs.

2. Foreign Minister Cho emphasized that as this year marks the start of another 70 years of the ROK-U.S. alliance, the two countries will further solidify the Korea-U.S. "Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance" and deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas, including security, economy, and technology. He also welcomed the contributions of the U.S. policy community in raising awareness of the importance of the Korea-U.S. relations and spreading relevant narratives in the U.S. He asked for their continued role in this regard.

3. In addition, Foreign Minister Cho stressed that Korea will continue to expand its role and contribution as a Global Pivotal State that contributes to freedom, peace, and prosperity in the region and the world as well as on the Korean Peninsula. He stated that to achieve this end, Korea will not only strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance and close cooperation among Korea, the U.S. and Japan, but also enhance solidarity with the G7. He called on the U.S. policy community’s continued interest and constructive suggestions.

4. During the breakfast meeting with the former and incoming KEI Presidents, Foreign Minister Cho expressed appreciation to former KEI President Stephens for her significant role in enhancing understanding of Korea in the U.S. and expanding support for the Korea-U.S. alliance during her five-year tenure as President of the KEI from 2018. He presented a plaque of appreciation and asked her to continue her role in advancing the Korea-U.S. relations going forward.

5. The U.S. experts assessed that under the Yoon Suk Yeol government, the ROK-U.S. relations have risen to their highest level ever, and expressed confidence in the Korean government's strong commitment to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance.

6. President of the Korea Society Byrne noted that the Korea-U.S. relations are developing in various fields beyond security, including culture and people-to-people exchanges. He also expressed his commitment to make efforts to raise support for Korea and for the Korea-U.S. relations in the U.S. and ensure that Korea's contribution in the international community, including G7 cooperation, is widely recognized.

7. Former KEI President Stephens mentioned how thrilled she was to witness stronger Korea-U.S. relations than ever before, and that she would continue her support to strengthen the Korea-U.S. relations. In addition, incoming KEI President Snyder stated that the KEI will actively contribute to increasing favorable perceptions of the Korea-U.S. alliance, and requested the Korean government's interest and support for the KEI’s activities.