Moon meets new U.S. ambassador to South Korea for the first time

South Korean President Moon Jae-in engaged in his first official meeting with the newly nominated U.S. ambassador to South Korea, Adm. Harry Harris, at his office in Cheong Wa Dae on Wednesday. The president was presented with the credentials of five new ambassadors to South Korea on the same day.

Born between an American father and Japanese mother, Ambassador Harris is the first Asian American to achieve the rank of admiral in the U.S. Navy, having experience as the commander of Indo-Atlantic region. He is assessed to be the most influential figure among U.S. ambassadors to South Korea up until now.

“The intelligence authorities in Seoul and Washington identify that North Korea will dismantle its missile engine test site and missile launch station. This is a positive symbol of North Korea’s denuclearization,” said President Moon. “I anticipate that the North Korea–United States talk will gain momentum when the repatriation of U.S. soldiers’ remains resumes as promised.”

U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harris says that he expects the dismantlement of missile engine test site and return of the remains of U.S. troops, adding that such measure will become an important sign to show North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sincerity.


weappon@donga.com