This year marks the 65th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. As Korea has transformed itself in six decades from a war-torn basket economy into the 13th largest economy in the world, it represents one of America’s greatest foreign policy success stories in the post-WWII era.
The Republic of Korea has been a strong and steadfast economic and strategic partner of the United States.
Both countries are bound not only by history but by their shared commitment to democratic values.
My home state of California has a vibrant Korean-American community that contributes to all facets of our society, from thriving businesses to our local churches.
This week, the President of the Republic of Korea, the Honorable Park Geun-hye, will be making her second visit to Washington, D.C.
I hope we will take this opportunity to discuss the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the continued threat that North Korea’s nuclear program imposes on the region and the regional concerns regarding the East Sea dispute.
One of President Obama’s central foreign policy decisions has been to pivot attention back to Asia. As we look to further strengthen U.S. relations with the region, I believe the Republic of Korea will continue to be one of our strongest friends and allies.
• Rep. Loretta Sanchez, California Democrat, represents California’s 46th Congressional District. She serves as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea and is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus. She is also ranking member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.
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