Michelle Steel, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, delivered her first public speech following her Senate confirmation, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
On July 23, Steel attended the opening ceremony of the U.S.-South Korea Cooperation Center in Washington, D.C.
"The United States and South Korea have been allies bound by shared values and sacrifices for a long time," Steel said. "Through our cooperation, the alliance is expanding into new and important areas."
Regarding South Korea's investments in the U.S., she stated, "This will benefit both countries." She added that investments by South Korean companies in U.S. manufacturing and shipbuilding will contribute to building a fair, reciprocal, and stable trade relationship between the two nations.
Steel noted, "It is very meaningful that this event marks my first public speech since being confirmed as ambassador," and reiterated that strengthening the U.S.-South Korea alliance will be her "top priority" during her tenure.
After the event, when asked by a Yonhap News reporter about her departure for South Korea, Steel replied, "Next week." Confirmed by the U.S. Senate last month, she is expected to begin her official duties in South Korea soon.
During her Senate confirmation hearing, Steel had previously expressed that American companies operating in South Korea should receive equal treatment as South Korean firms.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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