Obama, Clinton Convey Liberation Day Congratulations

U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have both released statements congratulating Korea’s Liberation Day.

In a statement released Friday, Obama said, "On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the Republic of Korea, and all those of Korean descent in the United States and around the world, on the celebration of their Independence Day on Aug. 15."

“As I said during my visit to Seoul last fall, our commitment to the security and defense of the Republic of Korea will never waver.”

Obama added, “In the sixty-two years since the founding of the Republic of Korea, our two nations have enjoyed a strong and enduring alliance. We are bound by a common belief in the values of democracy and freedom.”

On ethnic Koreans in the U.S., he said, “Here, in the United States, Korean Americans have contributed greatly to our nation in all facets of life, from business and science to sports, the arts, and public service.”

In a statement released prior to Obama’s, Clinton said, “On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the Korean people on the anniversary of your independence this August 15. On my recent visit to the Republic of Korea, I joined in commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and the struggle that forged the strong partnership between our countries.”

“We look forward to Seoul hosting the G-20 Summit later this fall and the second Nuclear Security Summit in 2012. Your great success as a democratic nation and your emergence as a world economic leader continue to be an inspiration for all countries striving to develop.”

yhchoi65@donga.com