New U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel speaks to reporters after her arrival at Incheon International Airport on Thursday to assume her post. Photo by Yonhap
New U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel said Thursday she is ready to work with Seoul to ensure the decadeslong bilateral alliance remains the "linchpin" of regional peace and security, describing it as one of the world's strongest alliances.
Steel made the remarks shortly after her arrival at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, to assume her post as the first U.S. envoy to Seoul since President Donald Trump returned to office in January last year.
"Our alliance was forged in war and secured by blood of those who stood shoulder to shoulder to defend freedom," she said, referring to the 1950-53 Korean War. "Today it stands as one of the world's strongest alliances."
"I look forward to working with the Republic of Korea to ensure that our ironclad alliance remains the linchpin of peace and security in the region."
