Pres. Lee Sends Obama Congratulatory Message

President Lee Myung-bak sent a congratulatory message to U.S. President-elect Barack Obama yesterday, expressing his hopes for further development of bilateral relations.

"I sincerely congratulate you on your election as the 44th President of the United States of America. Your historical victory shows the American people’s fervent desire for a leader who will bring about genuine change,” President Lee said in the message.

“We were on the same line of thought when you emphasized the need to seek a new cooperative partnership in Asia in your presidential campaign. Cooperation between Korea and the United States will enhance not only regional peace in Northeast Asia but also global peace. I believe such relations are the direction to follow for the Korea-U.S. strategic alliance in the 21st century."

On the global financial crisis, President Lee said, “The world should not be divided but united in finding the solution to the crisis. The world needs to optimally achieve coordination in cooperation."

"In this respect, Korea will constructively contribute to the international community’s joint efforts to weather the crisis and proactively work with its partners. I promise the United States and the President-elect Korea’s full support.”

swpark@donga.com