Lee, Clinton concur on stronger alliance

SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Friday called
on the new U.S. government to strengthen cooperation with Seoul in resolving the
North Korean nuclear crisis, as he met with the visiting U.S. secretary of state.
"It is very important for us to strengthen the relations between (South Korea and
the U.S.), as well as those with Japan, China and Russia to resolve the North
Korean issue and other issues," Lee told Hillary Clinton, who arrived here
Thursday night.
Lee noted Clinton's visit underlined the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance,
which he said was "forged in blood" during the 1950-53 Korean War, in which over
30,000 U.S. soldiers were killed.
"I have much faith and confidence that your tenure as secretary of state will be
very successful," Lee told Clinton, the highest U.S. official to visit Seoul
since the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama late last month.
Clinton thanked Lee for the warm welcome she has received here, and said the U.S.
is also "very much looking forward" to working with its Asian ally to overcome
international security issues such as North Korea's nuclear program, as well as
in addressing the world economic crisis.
"I bring greetings from President Obama and he hopes to see you at G-20," Clinton
said, referring to the April summit set to be held in London.
Following their talks, Lee hosted a luncheon for Clinton at the presidential
office Cheong Wa Dae.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)