By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday called South Korea an "indispensable partner" in joint efforts to promote prosperity in a congratulatory message to the Korean people marking the 81st anniversary of their nation's liberation from Japanese colonial rule.

In a press statement marking Korea's Liberation Day, Rubio delivered the message on behalf of the U.S. government as Seoul and Washington deepen cooperation in various areas, ranging from defense to shipbuilding and critical minerals.

"The United States remains proud to stand with the ROK, an indispensable partner, as we continue working together to expand prosperity and support the extraordinary people-to-people ties that bind our nations together," Rubio said. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

The secretary pointed out that for more than seven decades, the two countries have cultivated an alliance "grounded in shared values, mutual trust, and an unwavering commitment to each other's security and prosperity."

"Following the president's historic state visit to the ROK last fall, the United States and the ROK have ushered in a historic new era in our relationship, deepening cooperation on a range of issues, including economic security, critical minerals, and shipbuilding," he said.

He was referring to the summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea in late October ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

sshluck@yna.co.kr

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