S. Korea, U.S. cooperation expected to become more close-knit: envoy

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Bilateral relations between South Korea and the United States are expected to expand and become more close-knit in the future, Washington's ambassador to South Korea said Wednesday.

Ambassador Kathleen Stephens said in a reception celebrating her posting as
ambassador that two-way relations are moving forward based on shared
opportunities and energy.
She then said that after attaining economic growth in the 1970s, South Korea
became an advanced democracy in the 1980s and has subsequently become a role
model for the rest of the world. The diplomat then said that Seoul is in the
process of implementing changes that can herald a new era for human rights, hope
for the future and democracy.
On Barak Obama's victory in the U.S. presidential race, Stephens praised the
leadership qualities of the Illinois senator.
The ambassador, who speaks fluent Korean, said one of the meaningful developments
of the election was the high voter turnout of 63 percent and the number of young
people that cast ballots.
The reception held in downtown Seoul was hosted by the Korea-U.S.
Inter-Parliamentary Exchange Council and was attended by over 250 people,
including lawmakers from both the ruling Grand National Party and the opposition
Democratic Party.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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