By Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol received a delegation of U.S. Senators, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who are visiting South Korea, and exchanged views on bilateral relations, including the U.S.-ROK alliance and economic cooperation, as well as key regional and international issues on the afternoon of October 11.

The President welcomed the U.S. Senate delegation to South Korea and expressed his hope that their visit will serve as an opportunity to reaffirm the stronger-than-ever ROK-U.S. alliance and bilateral economic cooperation. 

The President also emphasized that North Korea has recently become more outspoken in its nuclear threats, and that at times like these, it is important for the three countries to demonstrate strong solidarity and a determined response.

Noting that Korean companies have created many jobs in the U.S. through large-scale investments in the U.S., and that U.S. companies are also contributing to strengthening Korea's innovation capabilities by expanding their investments in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors and bio, the President asked the U.S. Congress to continue to pay attention to U.S. economic legislation, such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Semiconductor Act, so that it can lead to more mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. The President also requested Congressional support for key legislation, such as visa quotas for Korean professionals.

Chuck Schumer said he was pleased to meet with the President again during his visit to South Korea, following his state visit in April, and emphasized that South Korea is an important key U.S. partner in all aspects of security, economy, and culture, and expressed his appreciation for the President's leadership in advancing the U.S.-ROK alliance and strengthening trilateral cooperation.

In particular, the delegation saluted the President for working for the good of the nation, not for personal enrichment, and said they have watched with amazement as the Republic of Korea's global role and contributions have expanded.

Schumer and his delegation also said they recognize the many contributions that Korean companies make to the U.S. economy, including the creation of high-quality jobs in the United States. 

He also said that bipartisan support for the Republic of Korea in the U.S. Congress is strong and comprehensive, and that the U.S. Congress' support for strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance and U.S.-ROK economic cooperation will remain unwavering.

During the meeting with the U.S. Senate delegation, the President also exchanged views on key regional and international issues, including the recent developments in the Middle East, trilateral cooperation, and the North Korean nuclear issue. 

The President and the senators condemned Hamas's indiscriminate attacks on Israel and agreed that the two countries should play a constructive role in bringing the situation to a speedy end so that tensions in the region can be reduced and stability can be achieved.