By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, July 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha called on new U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Michelle Steel to play an important role in advancing the bilateral alliance's "new leap" during a meeting last week, her office said Thursday.

Kang and Steel met on July 21 before Steel's departure for Seoul to assume the ambassadorial post. Steel arrived in Seoul on Thursday (Korea time) as the two countries face a series of joint tasks, including implementing last year's bilateral agreements on security, trade and investment.

"Ambassador Kang asked Ambassador Steel to play an important role for the alliance's new leap forward, as the two countries' relationship is developing into a jointly prosperous, future-oriented partnership by expanding cooperation beyond security to include the economy, cutting-edge technologies, shipbuilding and nuclear energy," the Korean Embassy wrote on Facebook.

Steel said that she would play her part in further advancing the alliance, according to the embassy.

Upon arrival in Korea, Steel vowed to ensure that the alliance remains the "linchpin" of regional peace and security, calling it one of the world's strongest alliances.

sshluck@yna.co.kr

(END)

  • Police drop underage dating charge against actor Kim Soo-hyun
  • S. Korea formally completes development of homegrown KF-21 fighter jet
  • S. Korea in talks with U.S. military over air base access following white phosphorus leak: sources
  • BTS' 'Arirang' returns to top 10 on Billboard 200

  • BTS' 'Butter' tops 1.1 bln views on YouTube

  • S. Korea formally completes development of homegrown KF-21 fighter jet

  • (LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. open shipbuilding partnership center to advance MASGA initiative
  • Police drop underage dating charge against actor Kim Soo-hyun
  • S. Korea in talks with U.S. military over air base access following white phosphorus leak: sources

  • (3rd LD) SK Group chairman ordered to pay 944 bln won in asset division to ex-wife

  • Police drop underage dating charge against actor Kim Soo-hyun

  • Fans, celebrities support BTS' Grammy boycott
  • S. Korea formally completes development of homegrown KF-21 fighter jet
  • (2nd LD) U.S. military drone flies over inter-Korean border area, prompts civilian evacuation
  • New U.S. Ambassador Steel set to arrive in S. Korea on Thurs.