Restoring Korea-US Ties Urged
By Kim Yon-se
Staff Reporter
President-elect Lee Myung-bak called Wednesday for a new framework in South Korea-U.S. relations in the 21st century.
In a meeting with Harvard University Professor Joseph Nye, Lee said, ``It is necessary to foster future-oriented Korea-U.S. relations, though the two countries have retained a traditionally friendly relationship.''
``It would be desirable for prosperity in Northeast Asia as well as for both countries," he said.
But he was not specific on measures for the new ties and on the clear definition of the new structure.
His aides said it means closer relations. ``Lee wants more active, mutually beneficial relations in diplomacy, the economy and on the North Korea issue,'' an official of the Presidential Transition Committee said.
He just said the two countries should regain confidence in each other, adding, ``There have been some problems in mutual trust.''
Pointing out that the U.S. was putting its priority on Iraq or Afghanistan, he said, ``The U.S. should have more interest in Asia, which has been fast emerging as a new center of the world.''
A stronger Korea-U.S. alliance will help in persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, President-elect Lee said previously.
Lee, who will be sworn in on Feb. 25, is expected to take a tougher stance toward the North than the incumbent government. ``Ordinary trading with the North can only be discussed after the country discards its nuclear weapons program,'' he said.
Prof. Nye, who worked for the Pentagon, said that the ties between Seoul and Washington will improve regardless of who wins the November presidential election in the U.S.
Because South Korea stands between two giants (the U.S. and China), it is important that the country maintains the balance of power, Nye said.
During a lecture Tuesday, Nye said that Seoul and Washington have occasionally failed to synchronize their approach to Pyongyang.