Roh Says Friendship between Korea and U.S. is Unchanged

“There were no complications in policy between former minister Yoon Young-kwan and myself. I took a pragmatic line,” said President Roh Mu-hyun at the appointment of Ban Ki-moon to a new position as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade on January 17. “In this regard, the significance of friendship between Korea and U.S. is completely unchanged.”

Roh also said that “during former minister Yoon’s term, the tendency of Korea’s independent foreign policy has been raised by the international community.” President Roh expressed his appreciation for the services of Yoon, who participated in an investiture, saying that “it makes my heart hurt to see you withdrawing from your office. You did good job.”

Afterwards, President Roh told newly appointed minister Ban that “many people have recommended you as a superb diplomat. I learned lots of diplomatic skills from you, and I expect you to build an outstanding network of diplomacy for national security.”

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com