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AMCHAM hosts US ambassador, USFK chief for alliance talks
By Nam Hyun-woo, The Korea Times - The
American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) hosted a special luncheon on
Wednesday with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Park Steel and Gen. Xavier
Brunson, commander of the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and
U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).
The event in Seoul commemorated the
250th anniversary of the United States and drew about 200 participants,
including representatives from AMCHAM member companies and other Korean and
international businesses.
Under the theme “The U.S.-ROK Alliance
in a Changing World: Strengthening Security, Prosperity & Partnership,” the
luncheon explored the alliance’s evolving role and ways to deepen security and
economic cooperation.
“It is a tremendous honor to host two of
America’s most important leaders in Korea, representing the military and
diplomatic pillars of our alliance,” AMCHAM Chairman James Kim said.
“The U.S.-Korea alliance is stronger,
broader and more important than ever. Our alliance is built on a strong
foundation of security. Today, that partnership extends far beyond defense —
connecting our economies, our industries and our people,” he said.
Kim highlighted cooperation in
shipbuilding, semiconductors, batteries, aerospace and defense, saying the two
countries are developing industries critical to economic and national security.
“Economic security and national security
now go hand in hand. And at AMCHAM, we are committed to strengthening both,” he
said.
Steel and Brunson delivered special
addresses before joining a fireside conversation moderated by Kim.
The discussion covered the changing
security environment, Korea’s evolving international role, alliance priorities
and the future of USFK. The participants also explored how Korea could leverage
its defense and manufacturing capabilities to become a regional sustainment
hub, strengthen military readiness and expand defense-industrial cooperation.
On economic security, the conversation
focused on policy coordination to support business investment and innovation.
Topics included regulatory predictability, a level playing field in the digital
sector, U.S. energy investment and cooperation in liquefied natural gas.
Kim reaffirmed AMCHAM’s commitment to
turning dialogue into practical outcomes and serving as a bridge between the
governments and business communities of the two countries.
The luncheon came as security and
economic issues have become increasingly interconnected, underscoring the
importance of closer cooperation between Korea and the U.S. across defense,
energy and strategic industries.
