Rival party leaders meet outgoing US ambassador, reaffirm bilateral alliance

Rep. Lee Jae-myung, left, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, shakes hands with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg during their meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 23. Yonhap

Leaders of rival parties met with the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg on Monday and reaffirmed their commitment to the bilateral alliance despite political turmoil from President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment.

Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader of the ruling People Power Party, assured Goldberg over acting President Han Duck-soo's diplomatic efforts to maintain the robust alliance, while pledging his party's support for the interim government.

"Although Korea is currently in a somewhat turbulent situation, the collaboration and cooperation between the two nations, represented by the 70 years of bilateral alliance, will remain unwavering," Kweon said during the meeting at the National Assembly.

Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, thanked Goldberg for his advocacy of Korea's efforts to restore democracy following Yoon's martial law declaration on Dec. 3.

"The current turmoil that Korea is experiencing will ultimately serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of democratic values and the liberal democratic camp to the world," Lee said in a separate meeting with Goldberg. "In the process, I believe that the bilateral relationship will become even stronger and more advanced."

Lee said the scope of the Seoul-Washington alliance has expanded from military to economy and technology, expressing hope for it to develop into a comprehensive alliance encompassing human rights and environmental issues.

"It is clear that not only the Korea-U.S. relationship but also trilateral cooperation among the United States, Korea and Japan will continue to grow," Lee said.

During the back-to-back meetings, Goldberg reaffirmed his commitment to the enduring bilateral alliance that has lasted over 70 years, and expressed support for Korea's democratic and constitutional processes.

Goldberg retires next month after nearly 35 years of diplomatic service. His replacement is likely to be picked after President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. (Yonhap)

Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, right, floor leader of the ruling People Power Party, meets with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg at the National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 23. Yonhap